Argentine goalkeeper Walter Benítez signs for Crystal Palace from PSV Eindhoven
Argentine goalkeeper Walter Benítez has joined Crystal Palace on a free transfer from PSV Eindhoven.
The 32-year-old, who has served as Argentina's backup goalkeeper throughout their World Cup qualification campaign, will officially join the Eagles on July 1st.
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Palace had been in discussions with Benítez for several months, but he opted to wait until the conclusion of the Eredivisie season – out of respect for PSV, who were in a title race with Ajax – before committing to the south Londoners.
Benítez has been recruited as an understudy to FA Cup winner Dean Henderson. However, the keeper is convinced he can unseat Henderson from the No. 1 spot as he aims to retain his place in the Argentina squad ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
During three seasons at PSV, Benítez made 134 appearances, winning consecutive Eredivisie titles in 2024 and 2025, the KNVB Cup in 2023, and two Johan Cruyff Shields in 2022 and 2023. He kept 43 clean sheets in all competitions during his time in Eindhoven and featured 27 times in the UEFA Champions League.
(Image: PA) Palace are set to play European football for the first time in their history next season, pending final confirmation from UEFA's Club Financial Control Body. And Benítez is expected to play a key role in the club's continental campaign, bringing valuable European experience to the squad.
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His arrival marks renewed competition in the goalkeeping department. Last season, Dean Henderson played every minute of Crystal Palace's Premier League campaign – the first time a goalkeeper has done so since the club's promotion in 2013.
Palace Chairman Steve Parish said: 'Walter is an excellent addition to our squad, bringing further quality, experience and competition to our goalkeeping department alongside Dean and Remi.
'We look forward to welcoming Walter to South London next month as we continue our preparations towards what promises to be a busy season, competing on multiple fronts, in 2025/26.'
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