Crystal Palace goalkeeper Harry Lee has made an impressive start to the 2026/27 campaign, producing standout performances for the Under-21s in both domestic and European competition. He made eight saves in a 2-0 Premier League 2 victory over Aston Villa before stopping a penalty in the Young Eagles’ 2-1 win against Paris Saint-Germain in the Premier League International Cup.
Lee has also taken on greater responsibility within a young Palace squad that contains many of last season’s successful Under-18 group. Now one of the more experienced players in the team, the 21-year-old sees supporting his younger teammates as an important part of his role alongside fellow senior figure Adler Nascimento.
His route to SE25 was shaped by an unconventional development path. Lee started as an outfield player at Torquay United before switching to goalkeeping, then joined Exeter City after Torquay’s academy closed. He made his senior debut for Exeter in the EFL Trophy against Chelsea Under-21s and later saved two penalties in a shootout against Cheltenham Town.
A series of loans exposed him to the demands of senior football, including difficult spells at Dorchester Town and Salisbury, where a broken arm kept him out for five months while the club went on to secure promotion. His return to Dorchester in February 2025 proved far more successful, helping him attract interest from bigger clubs before Palace won the race for his signature that summer after a decade with Exeter.
Lee began his first Palace season as the Under-21s’ regular goalkeeper, but later had to regain his position after Jackson Izquierdo took over. His return against West Ham in February marked the beginning of an important run of form, which continued into the play-off victory over Liverpool when he saved three penalties.
The goalkeeper has carried that momentum into his second campaign with Palace. His performance against Villa delivered a clean sheet after eight saves, while his penalty stop against PSG came after Under-21s goalkeeper coach Julian Speroni identified the taker’s preferred direction before kick-off. Select Premier League 2 and Premier League International Cup matches featuring Lee will be available live on Palace TV+.
