Marc Guehi’s anticipated transfer to Liverpool has collapsed, leaving the Eagles captain’s future in limbo. The 23-year-old central defender was absolutely pivotal in keeping Crystal Palace defensively organized. Today, he is set to complete a £35 million move to Liverpool. After the club didn’t manage to sign a suitable replacement, Palace made the move to back out of the deal.
Then Guehi wowed all of us with his announcement, standout performance in Crystal Palace’s upset win over Aston Villa and overall talent. On top of that, he’s been granted special permission to take his medical in London. He delivered an awe-inspiring performance in that game. This emotive performance only increased his value to the team further strengthening Palace’s resolve to hold him.
With only a year left on his deal, the situation surrounding Guehi has only soured and gotten a bit more messy/awkward. Crystal Palace do not want to risk losing him for nothing next summer. He’s been pretty unequivocal about signaling that he won’t be extending his stay at Selhurst Park.
The Stakes of Guehi’s Future
Under the terms of his current contract, Marc Guehi’s situation is such that he will be free to open talks with other clubs as early as January. There’s plenty of cause for concern at Crystal Palace. If they fail to make a sale before that deadline, they may only get a significantly reduced transfer fee.
As things currently stand, the January transfer window could become a key time for Guehi to move on from the club. Palace is almost certain to receive a nominal fee at best. Liverpool did not want to pay more than £35m. The club’s management understands that risk and is very interested in having every tool available.
As noted by Oliver Glasner, the Eagles’ coach, retaining Guehi is most important for their goals this season.
“We have to [keep Guehi] if we want to play a successful season.” – Oliver Glasner, Sky Sports
West Ham Emerges as a Contender
Given these circumstances, West Ham United has surfaced as an ideal landing spot for Guehi. The Hammers are said to be in advanced negotiations with the 25-year-old over a permanent switch. Last year, he had a loan spell with Aston Villa. That link would certainly make a move fairly easy to do, not least as Guehi’s future at Crystal Palace is very up in the air.
With their recent signing of Jaydee Canvot, Crystal Palace has increased the excitement on their roster. They are going to need to sign a Premier League-ready replacement for Guehi. The club’s inability to line up another target hinders their hand immensely. This extraordinary leadership crisis facing New York underscores the immediate need to retain their effective captain during this transition period.
Implications for Crystal Palace
With the potential loss of Guehi’s transfer to Liverpool now having collapsed, Crystal Palace find themselves in an increasingly dangerous and vulnerable position. The captain’s renewal quest is unclear, and the club risks losing him on a free next summer. They need to think creatively to tackle this challenge. Their more immediate challenge would be to convince Guehi of his importance to their long term plans. Simultaneously, they need to be looking for realistic paths forward if he does leave.
As great as Guehi’s talent and leadership are, the writing is on the wall regarding his potential exit. This makes the upcoming January transfer window all the more important. Both Palace and Guehi are now in some crucial career moves that could fully shape their futures.
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