Fans gutted as ‘hero’ departs to sign for Crystal Palace, he ‘did a damn good job’

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Crystal Palace have now completed their first signing of the summer transfer window in Walter Benitez.

The Argentina international will officially arrive on a free transfer on July 1st when his contract with PSV Eindhoven expires, and is set to replace Matt Turner as backup behind Dean Henderson in the goalkeeping department, after the American saw his loan spell from Nottingham Forest end.

Benitez – aged 32 – can boast a wealth of experience, making 19 appearances in the UEFA Champions League while also winning the Eredivisie title on two occasions, along with the KNVB Cup and the Johan Cruyff Shield twice.

Despite these honours, there is no better indication of what a footballer is like than how their own fanbase views them, and the reaction of PSV Eindhoven fans therefore bodes quite well for Crystal Palace.

PSV Eindhoven supporters upset after losing Walter Benitez to Crystal Palace

The South American was clearly a popular figure in Eindhoven, as fans are sad to see him go.

After PSV Eindhoven announced the news on their official Instagram account, many flocked to reply in the comments section, expressing their devastation.

One fan posted: “Too bad it had to be (on a) free, but this guy remains a hero.”

Benitez kept 43 clean sheets in his 134 appearances for PSV Eindhoven, conceding 152 goals.

Another supporter added: “Was really skeptical about him at first, didn’t know anything about him but he did a damn good job. Goodbye and thanks, we’re going to miss you.”

Benitez joined PSV Eindhoven – who boast a top talent in Johan Bakayoko – on a free transfer after leaving OGC Nice in June 2022 once his deal ended, so he is clearly a man who stays committed to a contract.

Others simply added “thanks amigo” and “good luck” in the comments section, showing that the Argentine evidently conducted himself very well across his three years in the Netherlands.

How Dean Henderson has responded after Crystal Palace sign Walter Benitez

Benitez just started all 34 games as PSV Eindhoven won the Eredivisie title – also making 11 UEFA Champions League appearances last season – so Henderson may feel a tad concerned by how good a backup Crystal Palace have found.

However, the England international has shown no signs of any animosity towards the South American.

Henderson wrote “welcome to the family” after Crystal Palace – who want Douglas Luiz – announced the news on Instagram, also posting red and blue heart emojis.

It remains to be seen whether Benitez impresses Oliver Glasner enough to take the No.1 shirt, but for now, that position surely belongs to Henderson after his remarkable performance in the FA Cup final.