Henderson signs Crystal Palace contract until 2030 as Europa League debut looms

Dean Henderson has signed a contract extension with Crystal Palace until 2030, pledging his long-term future to the club just days before their Europa League debut against Lech Poznan at Selhurst Park on Thursday.

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 made more than 100 appearances for the Eagles since joining from Manchester United in 2023. He was part of the side that won the Conference League under Oliver Glasner last season and assumed the captaincy following Marc Guehi’s sale to Manchester City in January.

“We have shared some incredible moments, unforgettable nights, glorious days, memories I will never forget,” Henderson said. “I have learnt what it means to wear this shirt, to be trusted with the armband is something I will never take for granted.”

He added: “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.”

However, Henderson will not be available for Thursday’s Europa League opener after sustaining an ankle injury, which is also expected to rule him out of England’s upcoming Nations League fixtures.

Palace manager Pierre Sage paid tribute to the goalkeeper’s influence on and off the pitch. “As a player he is a really good goalkeeper, and as a man he has good leadership,” Sage said. “He is positive and is always with his team-mates, that is why it is really important to have him.”

Sage also confirmed that Ismaila Sarr could feature for the first time since his proposed move to Liverpool collapsed in the summer. The Senegal forward, Palace’s top scorer last season, took time away from the club after the transfer failed to materialise. “I think the situation is behind him now,” Sage said. “He has trained normally and looks normal. I think he is now in the idea to make a big season with us.”

Forward Eddie Nketiah is expected to be available for the Lech Poznan match, while Jean-Philippe Mateta remains sidelined with a thigh problem. Palace head into the game looking to bounce back from a 3-2 Premier League defeat to Ipswich last Saturday.