Crystal Palace may look to sign 37-year-old Spanish tactician Inigo Perez from Rayo Vallecano as they prepare to lose Oliver Glasner after the 2025/26 season ends.
According to a report by Spanish outlet Fichajes, Inigo Perez is the subject of interest of Crystal Palace. The Eagles are scouring the managerial market for their next head coach, as Oliver Glasner has announced that he will leave the South London club after the 2025/26 season ends. So, the 37-year-old Rayo Vallecano boss has emerged as a target for Crystal Palace.
Who is Inigo Perez?
Inigo Perez has established himself as one of the world’s most promising young coaches since replacing Francisco at Rayo Vallecano in February 2024. A native of Pamplona, the Spaniard was a midfielder during his professional career as a footballer, and he represented well-known La Liga clubs like Athletic Club and Osasuna.
The 37-year-old hung up his boots after the 2021/22 season and entered the coaching sphere by becoming the assistant manager at Rayo Vallecano in 2022. Perez assisted his former Athletic Club teammate Andoni Iraola at the Madrilenian club between 2022 and 2024. He was supposed to follow Iraola to Bournemouth, but remained in Spain due to work-permit issues.
The Spanish tactician has been a revelation since taking his first managerial assignment, guiding Rayo Vallecano to an eighth-placed finish in the 2024/25 La Liga standings and European qualification. The Franjirrojos are in the top half of the table again this term, and another memorable campaign is on the cards.
What next?
Inigo Perez’s exploits with Rayo Vallecano have not gone unnoticed, helping him become one of the world’s most highly rated managers. Crystal Palace will be among the prospective suitors vying for the 37-year-old Spaniard’s signature after the 2025/26 season ends.
The Eagles are scouring the managerial world for Oliver Glasner’s successor after the Austrian tactician announced earlier this week that he would leave the South London club after the 2025/26 season ends. Several candidates, including Jose Bordalas, have thus emerged on Crystal Palace’s wishlist, with Perez also a viable target.
The Spanish tactician has the acumen and fresh ideas to take Crystal Palace to the next level after the club’s bright stint under Glasner. However, with other managers, including Regis Le Bris, also being on the South London outfit’s wishlist, it will be interesting to see who replaces Glasner in the coming months.
