Marc Guehi looks set to leave Crystal Palace this summer, with his contract entering its final weeks and the defender yet to agree new terms with the club. At 24 years old and coming off an FA Cup-winning season, Guehi is one of the most sought-after centre-backs in the Premier League — and the price, given his contract situation, is starting to look very attractive to the clubs monitoring him.
Why hasn't he signed?
Crystal Palace have been in negotiations with Guehi and his representatives for the better part of eighteen months. The sticking point is money. Guehi wants wages that reflect both his quality and his market value, and Palace have offered what the club considers fair but what the player's camp considers below what he could earn elsewhere. It is a negotiation that neither side has found a way to resolve, and with the summer approaching, the window for securing him on any terms is closing fast.
Last summer, Newcastle United came close to signing him. A deal was agreed in principle and then broke down, reportedly due to a disagreement over add-ons and payment structure rather than the headline fee. Guehi stayed, Palace got another season from one of their best players, and the problem was delayed rather than solved. Now it has arrived again with more urgency and fewer options.
Who is interested?
Newcastle's interest has not gone away. They still want a centre-back capable of playing at the highest level, and Guehi fits that profile precisely. Liverpool have also been mentioned as potential suitors — they value defenders who can play out from the back, and Guehi's passing accuracy and composure on the ball make him a natural fit for Arne Slot's system. Arsenal, Manchester United, and Chelsea have all been linked at various points over the past year.
The interesting factor here is the potential fee. If Guehi's contract expires in June without a renewal, he walks away on a free, which would save any buying club tens of millions of pounds. Palace are aware of this and will try to sell in the coming weeks if they cannot get an extension agreed. They would rather receive a fee in the £30-40 million range than watch him leave for nothing. The player, understandably, has significant leverage.
What Palace do next
Losing Guehi would be a significant blow for a Crystal Palace side that has punched above its weight for several seasons now. He is not just their best player — he is the kind of leader who raises the level of those around him. Finding a replacement of comparable quality on a Crystal Palace budget is not straightforward. Oliver Glasner's side will be navigating next season's transfer window from a position of considerably less strength if Guehi exits. Time is running out to change that outcome.
Transfer details: Marc Guehi | Age: 24 | Club: Crystal Palace (contract expires June 2026) | Position: Centre-back | International: England | Interested clubs: Newcastle United, Liverpool, Arsenal, Man United, Chelsea | Potential fee: £30–40m or free if contract expires
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