Crystal Palace Women will bid farewell to one of the club’s most influential players this summer after confirming that Elise Hughes will leave when her contract expires at the end of the month.
The announcement was made by the South London club on their official website and brings an end to a highly successful three-year spell at Palace for the Welsh international.
Hughes joined Crystal Palace from local rivals Charlton Athletic in the summer of 2022 and quickly established herself as one of the most important figures within the squad. Her arrival proved to be a significant moment for the club, with the forward playing a leading role in some of the most memorable chapters in Palace Women’s recent history.
Over the course of her time at the club, Hughes made 89 appearances in all competitions and scored an impressive 34 goals. Beyond the numbers, however, her contribution was measured through her influence in key matches and her ability to deliver when Palace needed her most.
The 25-year-old played a pivotal role in helping Crystal Palace secure promotion to the Barclays Women’s Super League on two separate occasions, cementing her place among the most successful players to represent the club in recent years.
Her finest campaign arguably came during the 2023/24 season when Palace stormed to the Barclays WSL2 title. Hughes was in outstanding form throughout the promotion-winning campaign, scoring 16 league goals and establishing herself as one of the division’s most dangerous attacking players.
Unfortunately, what had been a remarkable season was cut short by a serious Anterior Cruciate Ligament injury. The setback brought an abrupt end to her campaign and raised concerns over how long she would be sidelined.
To her credit, Hughes approached her rehabilitation with determination and professionalism. After a lengthy recovery period, she successfully returned to action and once again became an important member of the squad.
Her commitment was evident throughout the most recent campaign, where she featured in every league match as Crystal Palace mounted another successful push for promotion.
The Eagles secured their return to the Barclays Women’s Super League in dramatic fashion. A strong second half of the season saw the club climb into the automatic promotion places, overtaking Charlton Athletic on the final day to secure their place among the elite of the women’s game.
Hughes was once again a key figure during that run, helping guide the side through some crucial fixtures as Palace finished the campaign in outstanding form.
Her departure will undoubtedly leave a void both on and off the pitch. Few players have contributed more to the club’s recent success, and her achievements in red and blue will be remembered fondly by supporters.
While the next chapter of her career is now set to begin elsewhere, Hughes leaves Crystal Palace having played a major role in one of the most successful periods in the history of the women’s team.
Further Crystal Palace squad news will be announced in due course.
