Crystal Palace Sign Goalkeeper Walter Benítez on Free Transfer

Benítez will become just the third Argentinian player to represent the Eagles, with the other two names being club legend and fellow goalkeeper Julian Speroni, and defender Walter José del Río.

Walter Benítez’s Career So Far

Benítez began his professional career in 2011 with Argentine Primera División side Quilmes, where his consistent performances caught the attention of Ligue 1 side OGC Nice.

He spent six years in France, making 188 appearances whilst cementing himself as one of the most reliable goalkeepers in the league. 

In 2022, Benítez joined PSV Eindhoven on a free transfer, where he continued to impress, making 134 appearances across three seasons. 

Whilst at the Dutch side, he won back-to-back Eredivisie titles in 2024 and 2025, as well as the KNVB Cup in 2023, and two Johan Cruyff Shields in 2022 and 2023.

What role will Benítez play at Crystal Palace?

Although Benítez has been signed as a back-up to Dean Henderson, he is expected to push the England international all the way.  

His arrival also signals Palace’s growing ambition. The Argentinian could have easily continued to ply his trade in the Netherlands as a guaranteed starter, but opted for the switch purely because of the ambition of the south London side.

Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish expressed his delight with the move, stating: “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.”

Crystal Palace have been actively searching for a new goalkeeper following Matt Turner’s return to Nottingham Forest. 

The American made it clear he wants regular first-team football to ensure he maintains his place in the national team. 

Palace needed someone capable of filling the void and Benítez, with his wealth of experience, is an ideal fit. 

Glasner has emphasised the importance of bringing players in with a winning mentality, as well as having European experience, and Benítez ticks all of those boxes. 

He has made 27 UEFA Champions League appearances for PSV and has featured in the Europa League with Nice. 

Beyond club football, Benítez still has aspirations of breaking back into the Argentina national team, where he has previously made just the one appearance.

With the 2026 World Cup on the horizon, a move to the Premier League – and further European exposure with Palace – could help put him on Lionel Scaloni’s radar. 

Benítez is expected to push Henderson all the way, and will certainly play a crucial role in what promises to be a hectic campaign for Palace.