USMNT center back Chris Richards has reportedly opened talks with Crystal Palace over a new contract, with his current deal set to expire after the 2026–27 season. The American has grown into a key piece of Oliver Glasner’s back three in recent years, emerging as a reliable starter after an initially rocky adjustment following his move from Bayern Munich.
Chris Richards was one of the notable absences from the USMNT roster announced Thursday, and Charlie Davies says tensions between Crystal Palace and U.S. Soccer might have been a factor. Palace manager Oliver Glasner publicly criticized the U.S. for playing the centerback in both October friendlies when he was supposedly dealing with an injury.
Mauricio Pochettino insisted that the USMNT would present the best version of themselves in the October friendlies after months of experimentation. If Friday night is any indication, the manager was true to his word, as the U.S. turned in a confident performance against Ecuador, one of South America's best teams, salvaging a 1-1 draw.
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