A report by Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo has revealed that Marcelino is the subject of interest from Crystal Palace. The Eagles are scouring the managerial market for a long-term replacement for Oliver Glasner, with the Austrian tactician calling time on his stint at Selhurst Park after the 2025/26 season. With the Villarreal head coach leaving the Yellow Submarine this summer, an adventure in the Premier League may be on the cards after an enquiry from the South London club.
Oliver Glasner is set to leave a lasting legacy at Crystal Palace, having guided them to their first-ever major honour last year when they lifted the 2024/25 FA Cup. The club built on that historic success by winning the FA Community Shield at the start of the 2025/26 campaign, producing stunning upsets against Manchester City and Liverpool respectively.
The silverware-winning habit may continue with the UEFA Europa Conference League this term, and it highlights the progress the Eagles have made under Glasner. However, the Austrian tactician has confirmed his impending departure from Selhurst Park, and Crystal Palace must now identify the senior side’s next head coach.
Several candidates, including former Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim, have emerged on the South London club’s wishlist, and Marcelino has recently emerged as a target. The Villarreal head coach will leave the Spanish club after the 2025/26 season, creating a potential opportunity for a summer move, with Crystal Palace sounding out his entourage for a deal.
Marcelino Garcia Toral has established himself as an elder statesman in La Liga over the past two decades. The Spaniard was an attacking midfielder during his understated playing career, hanging up his boots in 1994 before entering the coaching sphere in 1997. Since then, the 60-year-old has managed nearly a dozen teams, and he is currently in his second spell with Villarreal.
While Marcelino has not yet won a major trophy with Villarreal, he has enjoyed success with Athletic Club by lifting the Copa del Rey in 2023. More importantly, he has a distinguished record of guiding Villarreal to consistent UEFA Champions League qualification. His men have secured a place in Europe’s premier club competition again.
The Spanish tactician’s indistinguished record managing teams with modest budgets makes him an intriguing option for Crystal Palace. Additionally, his pragmatic, structured approach shares tactical similarities with Oliver Glasner’s philosophy, and that should align with Crystal Palace’s squad composition.
However, the Eagles are not placing all their eggs in one basket. Recent reports have linked them with Dino Toppmoller and Andoni Iraola. However, with the 60-year-old Spaniard on the cusp of ending his successful second stint with Villarreal, a summer move to Selhurst Park may be on the cards after the enquiry by the South London club.
