Palace star Marc Guehi prepared to play out contract amid top class interests

Marc Guéhi, the highly-rated England international defender, is taking a measured approach to his future, indicating he's prepared to let his contract with Crystal Palace run down if an ideal offer doesn't emerge this transfer window. With his deal set to expire next summer, this puts Crystal Palace in a precarious position, potentially losing one of their most valuable assets for no fee.

The 24-year-old, who has no intention of signing a contract extension with Palace, is prioritizing guaranteed playing time as he looks ahead to the 2026 World Cup. Safeguarding his spot in the England squad is a significant factor in his decision-making process, making a move to a club where he can immediately secure a starting role highly appealing.

Liverpool's defensive depth

Liverpool has emerged as a strong contender for Guéhi's signature. They could make a move after the anticipated sale of Jarell Quansah to Bayer Leverkusen for £30 million. However, Liverpool's well-established central defensive pairing of Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konaté might pose a challenge to Guéhi's desire for immediate, consistent playing time. While Van Dijk recently extended his contract and shows no signs of slowing down, Konaté is also entering his final contract year and has faced injury struggles. The departure of Quansah and the ongoing injury to Joe Gomez (out since February with a hamstring issue) does highlight Liverpool's need for defensive depth.

Meanwhile, Newcastle United, who previously attempted to sign Guéhi last summer, remains in the hunt, especially after qualifying for the Champions League. Their current defensive options include several players in their 30s and Sven Botman, who was sidelined for much of last season due to injury.

Tottenham Hotspur is also in the market for a new central defender, particularly if Cristian Romero moves to Atlético Madrid. Spurs, also a Champions League qualifier, had a significant offer for Guéhi—£55 million plus £15 million in add-ons—rejected by Palace in January.

With Guéhi seemingly content to wait for the perfect opportunity, Crystal Palace faces a critical period. They must balance their desire for a substantial transfer fee with the risk of losing him for free in 2026. Interested clubs are likely to be cautious about overpaying for a player in the final year of his contract, setting the stage for a tense negotiation period or potentially a free transfer saga next year.