Crystal Palace central defender Marc Guehi has been the hottest name on the transfer market. His contract is due to expire on June 30, provoking feverish speculation about his future. With only half a year remaining on his current contract, Guehi could leave Crystal Palace as a free agent. Ambitious clubs could snap him up on a cut-price agreement if they act fast. The competition to snag one of the USMNT’s most talented defenders is heating up. This summer, Liverpool, Manchester City and Arsenal all are on undisputed first round free agent storm.
Guehi’s likely departure has stirred up some of the wildest transfer discourse. That conversation really started to heat up when he almost transferred himself to Liverpool on the last day of last summer’s transfer window. The Merseyside club were said to have been prepared to pay £35 million for his services. The move never materialized, and now Guehi’s future is in doubt as he faces an important decision.
Contract Situation and Future Plans
Guehi’s contract with Crystal Palace only has a handful of months left on its current term. This provides him the flexibility to pursue additional initiatives. He’s told the club he will depart in 2026. This creates a window for other clubs to strike an agreement with him before he actually becomes a free agent.
Palace would likely want to charge a significant premium if they were to part with Guehi this month. As the countdown continues on his current contract, a big decision looms for the club. Will they hold out until they get a big enough offer, or allow him to depart with no compensation?
“I think Marc will stay but if Marc says ‘I want to leave’, and a club pays massive money – with five months left of a contract – every player will leave if you’re playing for a club like Crystal Palace.” – Oliver Glasner
The potential of Guehi’s exit has already drawn interest from some of Europe’s top clubs, all keen to strengthen their defensive ranks.
Interest from Top Clubs
Liverpool’s interest in Guehi is far from dead as they continue to battle with them to sign him on a free transfer next summer. The club plans for him to be a key figure in their rearguard, even with lingering questions about their established first unit. And finally, Manchester City is said to have turned its attention to the hunt for a new center-back. They have identified Guehi as an astute target to bolster their backline.
Arsenal have joined the race, hoping to take advantage of Guehi’s situation this January. The Gunners aim to enhance their defensive options and see the young defender as an ideal fit for their plans moving forward.
Guehi’s stellar second stint hasn’t escaped the attention of clubs, who are eager to plug his talents into their defenses.
Bayern Munich’s Pursuit
Aside from the other Premier League clubs, Bayern Munich have been reportedly linked with serious interest in Guehi. Max Eberl, Bayern’s sporting director, has already been in touch to try and convince him to join the Bundesliga giants this summer. Recent reports indicate that Guehi had a meeting with Eberl at Bayern’s training ground a few weeks ago, further solidifying the German club’s pursuit.
Guehi is eligible to begin talks with/accept an offer from Bayern Munich. That’ll clear the way for him to make his big move in the next summer transfer window. This would be a major attractive option, considering how big Bayern are in European football and how good their squad is at competitive level.
“For me it was a little bit surprising what was made out of it, because it’s the exactly same situation as it was in the summer.” – Oliver Glasner
As the transfer window approaches, Guehi’s options are expanding, and he will have to weigh the benefits of immediate transfers against potential free agency next summer.
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