Crystal Palace confirm Wayne Hennessey exit amid Chelsea, Aston Villa ‘interest’

After seven years at the club, Crystal Palace chose not to renew goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey’s contract, though it’s taken them almost two weeks to officially confirm his departure after his contract expired at the end of June.

But as of yesterday, the 34-year-old is now officially a free agent, which is good news for anyone interested in securing his services. That includes Chelsea and Aston Villa, both of whom cold use a veteran backup goalkeeper.

Wilfredo Caballero’s departure from Stamford Bridge has left a vacant spot among our goalkeeper ranks, behind first-choice Édouard Mendy and backup Kepa Arrizabalaga. While we can always give the third spot to one of the many talented youngsters in the Academy, a more experienced option could be helpful, especially when keeping in mind Mendy’s expected absence from club duties in January due to the Africa Cup of Nations. Usefully, Hennessey would also count as “homegrown” (unlike Jiří Pavlenka who’s also been tenuously linked).

Hennessey might have bigger and better things in mind still for himself than the role might have at Chelsea, but if he’s willing, his experience could be an asset to the team.