Crystal Palace officially announces signing of Chilwell

Crystal Palace have officially announced the return of English defender Ben Chilwell to the squad, coming from Strasbourg in a permanent transfer, following the completion of the procedures to obtain the international clearance.

Ben Chilwell previously played for Crystal Palace on loan from Chelsea during the second half of the 2024-2025 season, where he contributed to the team winning the FA Cup for the first time in its history, after clinching the title at Wembley Stadium.

The English defender spent last season with Strasbourg, playing 34 matches across all competitions, including a clash with Crystal Palace in the UEFA Europa Conference League.

Ben Chilwell began his professional career with Leicester City, where he made 123 appearances over five years, before moving to Chelsea in August 2020. There, he won both the UEFA Champions League and the UEFA Super Cup.

Ben Chilwell moved to Crystal Palace on loan during the season before last, featuring in 11 matches and scoring one goal, before helping the club secure its first domestic trophy in history.

On the international stage, Chilwell has played 21 matches for the England national team, during which he scored one goal, and he was also part of the squad that reached the final of the UEFA European Championship 'Euro 2020'.

Ben Chilwell becomes Crystal Palace's ninth signing of the summer transfer window, following the arrivals of Oscar Mingueza, Takehiro Tomiyasu, Dwight McNeil, Ivan Gesand, Anan Khalili, Xavier Gozu, Axel Disasi, and Honest Ahanor.

Ben Chilwell expressed his happiness at returning to Crystal Palace, saying: "It's great to be back. It's nice to see some familiar faces, and I'm really excited to be back, see my teammates and the fans, and start again."