Steve Parish says tying down James McArthur, Nathaniel Clyne, James Tomkins, and Jordan Ayew to fresh contracts was of “pivotal importance” to ensure the Crystal Palace playing squad kept its fine balance of youth and experience.
The quartet of players have all put pen to paper on new one-year deals at Selhurst Park that will keep them at the club until at least the summer of 2023. Together, the group have amassed a total of 677 Palace appearances, with McArthur leading the way with 249 outings in red and blue, followed by academy graduate Clyne (171), Ayew (133) and Tomkins (124).
All four players are now over the age of 30 but still have plenty to offer Patrick Vieira and the team. McArthur’s presence in midfield was especially important when he was fit and available to play last season, while Ayew has become a favourite of Vieira for his hard work following his 31 league appearances, often starting Palace’s biggest games.
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Clyne has also enjoyed a strong season, usurping Joel Ward at right-back during the second half of the campaign initially due to injury before keeping his spot down to form. Tomkins had the least game time of the group while playing backup to Joachim Andersen and Marc Guehi though he remains capable at this level and is a suitable option from the bench should he be called upon.
"It remains of pivotal importance to get the right balance of youth and experience in any Premier League squad, and I'm delighted that we've been able to ensure that these long-standing and experienced players in Jordan, Nathaniel, James and James remain with us for the upcoming campaign," said Parish. "Each of them played an enormous role in the progress we've all enjoyed in the last year, and we very much expect similar contributions for the season ahead."
Palace have also announced they are in 'ongoing discussions' with Cheikhou Kouyate, whose contract expires at the end of June. The Senegal international is reportedly keen to extend his deal by two years, though it is thought that Palace are only interested in offering a one-year deal in line with the other senior players who have extended until 2023.
Kouyate is undoubtedly still an important player to Vieira and provides useful experience, physicality and versatility in midfield and at centre-back. Last season he made 31 appearances for the club in all competitions and drew praise from his manager for what he offers Palace's young team.
"He gives you the balance," said the Frenchman. "He wins so many balls, can stop the counter-attack, brings physicality. He's the one to win the ball, and his first pass is always good. He has the physical presence we want in the Premier League - the competitiveness and physicality - and his experience is what we need. He added: "I have a really good group to work with, and he is part of that group. He knows all the good I think of him."
News on Kouyate's future is likely to come in the next few weeks, with the midfielder no longer needed on international duty following Senegal's 3-1 win over Benin and 1-0 win over Rwanda. The player is expected to take some time off while contract talks continue.
