Crystal Palace Sign Former Chelsea Defender Gary Cahill to 2-Year Contract

Former Chelsea defender Gary Cahill has joined Crystal Palace as a free agent, signing a two-year contract.

The Eagles announced the news on Monday:

Per the club's official website, Cahill said he hopes to continue his career as long as possible:

"I'm glad to be here, I think it's a good opportunity for me to continue my career in the Premier League, and to play in a good, exciting team. There are some very exciting, talented players here. I'm looking forward to the challenge.

"I'm hungry to prolong my career as long as I possibly can – I feel like I'm in great shape and whoever I play for, I'd like to think that I give it 110 percent and leave everything out there - so hopefully that will be good enough for the manager, my team-mates and also the fans."

Sports writer Matt Law believes the central defender's signing presents quite the catch for the Eagles:

The 33-year-old played for the Blues between 2012 and 2019, winning two Premier League titles and the 2011-12 UEFA Champions League. His playing time declined drastically last season, however, as he didn't make a single league start under then-manager Maurizio Sarri.

Per ESPN FC's Liam Twomey, the Italian said he didn't fit his style of play, and while he wouldn't decide his future, there were few minutes for the Englishman.

The former England defender, capped 61 times, started 24 Premier League matches as recently as the 2017-18 campaign, so there's reason to believe he is far from done at the highest level. 

He should combine well with Mamadou Sakho at the heart of Palace's defence, giving the Eagles ample experience inside the box. Cahill's leadership could also be key for a team looking to improve on last year's 12th-placed finish; he captained Chelsea in 2017-18.