Crystal Palace have reportedly won the race to sign experienced winger Solly March ahead of several Premier League rivals, with TEAMtalk reporting that the Eagles are now leading the pursuit of the departing Brighton star.
The 31-year-old wide man is expected to leave Brighton & Hove Albion on a free transfer this summer after the Seagulls decided against extending his stay at the Amex Stadium. March’s current contract is set to expire in the coming weeks, opening the door for interested clubs to secure one of the Premier League’s most experienced wide players without paying a transfer fee.
According to the report, Palace have moved ahead of a competitive chasing pack that included Newcastle United, Everton, Nottingham Forest, and Fulham, all of whom had expressed interest in the veteran winger. Newly-promoted sides Coventry City and Ipswich Town were also linked with a potential move as they searched for proven Premier League experience ahead of the new campaign.
March’s departure will bring an emotional end to a lengthy association with Brighton. The English winger has spent more than a decade with the club after rising through the academy ranks, making over 250 appearances across all competitions and playing a major role in Brighton’s transformation from Championship hopefuls into established Premier League contenders.
However, injuries have severely disrupted the latter stages of his career. Persistent knee problems limited his playing time over the last few seasons, ultimately convincing Brighton that a summer separation was the best solution for both parties. Despite those setbacks, Palace believe March still possesses the technical quality, versatility, and top-flight experience needed to strengthen Oliver Glasner’s squad heading into a demanding season that could include European football commitments.
Interestingly, the move would also represent a symbolic return for March, who spent part of his youth development at Crystal Palace before eventually continuing his pathway elsewhere.
Palace’s recruitment strategy this summer appears focused on adding experienced depth alongside emerging talent. March’s ability to operate as a traditional winger, wing-back, or advanced wide midfielder makes him an attractive low-risk option, particularly on a free transfer. His tactical intelligence and delivery from wide areas could provide important support for attacking players already at Selhurst Park, including Ismaïla Sarr.
The former England youth international earned three caps and scored once for the England Under-21 side during his international career. Transfermarkt currently values the winger at around €2 million, although his availability on a free transfer significantly increases his attractiveness in the market.
With Palace moving decisively ahead of their Premier League rivals, negotiations are now expected to accelerate as the Eagles attempt to finalize one of the more experienced free-agent deals of the summer window.
