Crystal Palace have, as expected, announced a deal with American investors, Josh Harris and David Blitzer.

Current chairman Steve Parish announced the deal on Twitter late on Friday night. Parish will remain in his role as chairman, with New Jersey Devils owners Harris and Blitzer simply joining the board and providing investment.

In Parish's announcement, which included a statement from the club to be released, he revealed that the investors' first move will be to provide a £50million stadium project to improve Selhurst Park.

Crystal Palace said the club are "delighted to announce that it has today signed a deal with investors Josh Harris and David Blitzer."

Palace announce deal with New Jersey Devils owners

"The deal will see chairman Steve Parish, Josh Harris and David Blitzer take control of the club in a general partnership structure.

"They will be joined by a number of other investors in a limited partnership that will include current CPFC2010 shareholders, Stephen Browett, Jeremy Hosking and Martin Long, who will all retain a substantial shareholding," the statement said.

Selhurst Park to be developed with £50m from new investors

"All shareholders have agreed an initial £50m injection of capital for the development of the stadium, with more to follow. This will give fans the first-class facilities they deserve.

"The deal offers the club the best opportunity to build on the enormous progress made over the last five years, during which time it has come out of administration and established itself as a thriving, financially secure member of the Premier League.

"It ensures that, while overseas investors are joining us, the heart and soul of the club remains in south London."

Chairman Steve Parish happy to welcome new investors

Chairman Steve Parish said, "I'm delighted that Josh and David have agreed to make this investment and join me in shaping the future of Crystal Palace.

"I have had the great pleasure of getting to now them both over the past 18 months and I am sure they will be a huge help to me and add an enormous amount of value.

"I am looking forward to getting started with them and continuing to drive this great football club to ever great heights. I would like to thank Stephen, Jeremy and Martin, as well as all the club's supporters, for their incredible support over the past five years and I am thrilled they will retain a shareholding for the next part of the journey."

Palace's newest recruitment Joshua Harris and David Blitzer said: "We couldn't be more excited to be joining the Crystal Palace family. We were drawn to the club's rich history, exciting brand of football, strong leadership and, above all, its passionate fans."

Harris and Blitzer 'excited' to 'club's rich history'

"We've had the great pleasure of getting to know Steve and have the utmost respect for him and his partners, Stephen, Jeremy and Martin.

"We look forward to supporting Steve in his role as the operating co=owner and leader of the club. Crystal Palace has a storied legacy, a bright future and we're proud to become a part of it."

The Eagles face Stoke City on Saturday where they'll be looking to impress their new investors. Palace are, surprisingly, sixth in the Premier League this season despite some poor results like a 1-0 defeat to Sunderland. They hit back from that, beating Newcastle United 5-1. 

Harris and Blitzer's investment appears to be good news for everyone associated with Palace. At first glance, the American's investment appears to be coming in slowly and the club, having retained the current board, are going to act sensibly with the new money.

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About the author
Harry Robinson
Deputy Editor-in-Chief at VAVEL UK, and Manchester United Editor.