Ben Chilwell makes Crystal Palace move after Strasbourg spell

Ben Chilwell has returned to the Premier League after joining Crystal Palace as a free agent following his time with French club Strasbourg.

The 29-year-old former Chelsea defender has agreed an employment contract with Crystal Palace, with the move confirmed by the club’s official media channels. Chilwell becomes the latest addition to the Palace squad after spending the 2025-26 season in Ligue 1.

Chilwell was involved in 20 league matches for Strasbourg during the campaign. He recorded two assists and was shown four yellow cards during his appearances in France.

His move takes him back to England and the Premier League, where he previously represented Chelsea. Palace have therefore secured an experienced top-flight defender without paying a transfer fee, although no further details about the length or terms of the agreement have been provided.

The signing comes at a difficult start to the new Premier League season for Crystal Palace. After two matches, the club are bottom of the table without a point.

Chilwell’s arrival gives Palace another defensive option as they look to improve their position following their opening two league fixtures. The club’s current record means the new signing joins with Palace yet to register a point in the competition.

The former Chelsea player spent the 2025-26 campaign with Strasbourg in Ligue 1, where his involvement extended to 20 matches. His contribution included two assists, while four cautions were recorded against his name.

Crystal Palace confirmed that Chilwell’s transfer was completed on a free-agent basis. That means the defender was available to join the London club without a fee being paid to Strasbourg.

The move also marks Chilwell’s return to the “foggy Albion” after his period in French football, bringing him back into the English top-flight environment. Palace are the club to benefit from that return, having formally announced his signing through their official communications.

At 29, Chilwell joins Crystal Palace with his latest competitive record already established: 20 Ligue 1 appearances, two assists and four yellow cards during the 2025-26 season. His next chapter will now be played in the Premier League, with Palace seeking their first points of the campaign.

The club’s position at the foot of the table after two rounds is the immediate backdrop to the transfer. Palace have yet to collect a point, while Chilwell arrives after completing his spell with Strasbourg and becoming available as a free agent.

No additional information about his debut, squad number or contract duration has been announced. The confirmed details are that the defender has signed for Crystal Palace, returned to the Premier League and joined from Strasbourg without a transfer fee.