Dean Henderson sends emotional message to Manchester United as Crystal Palace transfer confirmed

Manchester United have sold Academy graduate Dean Henderson to Premier League side Crystal Palace.

Dean Henderson has left Manchester United to join Crystal Palace for an undisclosed fee.

The 26-year-old progressed through the famed Academy system at Old Trafford and went on to play 29 matches for the club, in all competitions, after making his debut. However, a new challenge awaits for the England stopper, who spent last season on loan in the Premier League with Nottingham Forest.

Forest had been keen on re-signing Henderson on a permanent basis, but the Midlands side instead signed now-former Arsenal goalkeeper Matt Turner as their number one. That opened the door for Palace to move in and the Eagles have, ultimately, sealed a swoop for Henderson with 24 hours to go before the window closes.

Henderson could be thrust straight into the Palace squad for his debut on Sunday afternoon (2pm) when Wolves make the trip to Selhurst Park. Speaking to the Palace website about that transfer, Henderson said: "I'm absolutely delighted and buzzing to be here."

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He continued: "I cant wait to get started. This club has got great fans, and a lot of top players, who are hungry to succeed. There's something being built here. I really want to be a part of it."

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Although the transfer fee remains undisclosed, Manchester Evening News understands the two clubs reached an agreement on a fee rising to £20m. Henderson will subsequently be replaced in the United squad by the incoming Altay Bayindir, due to arrive in a £4.3m deal from Turkish side Fenerbahce.

Henderson, who has one England senior cap to his name, had loan spells at Stockport, Grimsby Town, Shrewsbury and Sheffield United (twice) before heading to Forest last season. He has put pen-to-paper on a five-year contract, at Palace, to team up with Roy Hodgson and his squad.

After the move was confirmed, Henderson quickly took to X (formerly Twitter) to share an emotional message to United supporters. In that, he wrote: "Saying goodbye to United is an emotional moment for me, and this club has been a part of my life since I was a kid... the journey has been my dream come true and I feel blessed and fortunate to have fulfilled that dream." The full post can be read below.

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