Argentine goalkeeper Walter Benitez is considering terminating his contract with Crystal Palace to force through a return to former club OGC Nice, just twelve months after arriving from the Netherlands, according to reports in France.
Frustrating spell in English football
The 33-year-old joined the Premier League side from Dutch giants PSV Eindhoven last summer but endured a frustrating campaign as backup. He managed only eight appearances throughout the season, with a solitary outing in the top flight, despite holding a contract that runs until 2028.
Sources suggest Benitez understood he would play a secondary role upon arriving in London, yet the lack of competitive action has still prompted him to seek an immediate exit. Jean-Pierre Rivere, former co-president of the French club, has stated that Benitez is determined to head back to Nice. The goalkeeper reportedly visited Villa Massena last month, signalling his clear intention to abandon his deal despite its long-term nature.
Diouf future holds the key
Any potential reunion depends heavily on the future of current Nice number one Yehvann Diouf. The Senegal international is currently weighing up his future at the club, and his departure would create the vacancy Benitez seeks.
Benitez appears willing to make significant financial sacrifices to complete the move. He is prepared to take a wage cut and terminate his existing agreement, forgoing the security of his long-term deal to secure regular first-team football back at the Allianz Riviera.
Should Benitez successfully negotiate his release, Crystal Palace would need to assess their goalkeeping depth ahead of the new campaign. The London club relied on him sparingly during his maiden year in English football, but his departure would nonetheless remove an experienced option from their squad and could prompt a search for replacement cover.