Edu and Mikel Arteta decided to sell Rob Holding last summer. After seven seasons with Arsenal, the center-back was sold to Crystal Palace for a modest fee of £4 million.
Despite making 162 club appearances and scoring a crucial goal in a match against Manchester City, some fans questioned the decision to sell him due to a perceived lack of squad depth. However, Holding’s career has stalled at Crystal Palace, where he has yet to make a Premier League appearance and underwent an operation for a foot and ankle problem in January.
Crystal Palace’s manager at the time, Roy Hodgson, indicated uncertainty about Holding’s return to the team following the operation. Since his move, Holding has only made one cup appearance for Crystal Palace, receiving a yellow card in a 3-0 defeat against Manchester United.
During his time with Arsenal, Holding had a significant role, making 30 Premier League appearances in the 2020/21 season and starting in two FA Cup finals. His future at Crystal Palace seems uncertain, and his hopes of a full international call-up also appear to be fading, despite making five appearances for England’s U21 side.