Marc Guéhi’s Status at Crystal Palace in Doubt as Manager and Chairman Weigh In

The Future of Marc Guéhi at Crystal Palace

The future of defender Marc Guéhi at Crystal Palace is currently in limbo, according to club chairman Steve Parish and manager Oliver Glasner. Following a recent 1-0 victory against Fredrikstad FK in the UEFA Conference League playoff first-leg, Parish provided insights into Guéhi’s situation, indicating that if the player wishes to extend his contract, he can remain at Selhurst Park. However, Parish acknowledged that without a new agreement, the club would need to reassess their options in the near term.

Transfer Interest from Liverpool

Earlier this month, ESPN reported that Liverpool had initiated discussions with Crystal Palace regarding a potential transfer of Guéhi, who is likely to command a transfer fee around £30 million, with an additional £5 million in performance-related bonuses. This interest comes as Liverpool searches for defenses bolstered by recent departures, including Jarell Quansah moving to Bayer Leverkusen and Joe Gomez facing a minor injury that hampers his availability.

Manager’s Concerns

In the post-match press conference, Glasner expressed his frustration regarding the club’s sluggish pace in securing necessary replacements. He humorously quipped about possibly donning his old center-back boots should Guéhi leave, given the potential impact on the team’s defensive stability. He underscored the urgency of the situation, stating,

“We need to act. It’s Crystal Palace’s future, and we have to add numbers.”

Glasner also reflected on Guéhi’s critical importance for upcoming matches, emphasizing that if the defender is unavailable, the team faces significant challenges, pointing out a stark truth about the club’s registration limitations.

Uncertainty Surrounding Eberechi Eze

Adding to the unsettling atmosphere around Selhurst Park is the expected departure of star midfielder Eberechi Eze to Arsenal for a substantial fee of £67.5 million. Glasner confirmed Eze’s absence in the match, later admitting to miscommunication regarding Eze’s participation and expressing doubts about the midfielder playing for Palace again in the future. This adds another layer of uncertainty as the transfer window draws to a close, leaving Crystal Palace at a crossroads heading into the new season.