Dean Henderson has committed his long-term future to Crystal Palace, insisting “there was nowhere else” he would rather be as the club prepare for their Europa League debut on Thursday night.
The England goalkeeper, who featured in Thomas Tuchel’s World Cup squad this summer and played in the third-place play-off victory over France, has signed a contract extension until 2030.
Since joining from Manchester United in 2023, Henderson has made more than 100 appearances for the Eagles and helped win the Conference League under Oliver Glasner last season.
Henderson, who assumed the captaincy following Marc Guehi’s sale to Manchester City in January, reflected on his journey: “We have shared some incredible moments, unforgettable nights, glorious days, memories I will never forget.
“I have learnt what it means to wear this shirt, to be trusted with the armband is something I will never take for granted.”
Speaking in a video on the Palace website, he added: “You are not just leading the team, you are carrying everyone who stands behind it.
“I know what the badge means to the fans. The highs, the lows, the seasons where nobody believed and the moments we proved them wrong – that is what it means to be Palace.
“There was nowhere else. I am proud to be one of you. I am not going anywhere.
“My best years are in front of me and I’m happy to be giving that to Crystal Palace.”
Henderson will miss Thursday’s opener against Lech Poznan at Selhurst Park due to an ankle injury, which is also expected to rule him out of England’s upcoming Nations League fixtures.
“As a player he is a really good goalkeeper, and as a man he has good leadership,” Palace boss Pierre Sage said. “He is positive and is always with his team-mates, that is why it is really important to have him.”
Sage confirmed Ismaila Sarr could feature for the first time since his move to Liverpool collapsed. The Senegal forward, Palace’s top scorer last term, took time away after the switch failed to materialise.
Forward Eddie Nketiah should feature, but Jean-Philippe Mateta remains out with a thigh problem.
“I think the situation is behind him now,” Sage said of Sarr, looking for a reaction after Saturday’s 3-2 defeat by Ipswich. “He has trained normally and looks normal. We will see on the pitch during the competition games, but I think he is now in the idea to make a big season with us.”
