Crystal Palace are reportedly preparing for a fresh wave of bids for their captain, Marc Guehi, with Liverpool believed to be ready to launch a January move for the in-demand defender.
Palace Brace for Major Transfer Saga
According to reports, the South London club anticipates significant interest in Guehi during this transfer window, following his outstanding performances this season. The 25-year-old England international has been a pivotal figure for the Eagles, making 32 appearances before the halfway point and contributing three goals and four assists.
His form has been central to the team's impressive 19-match unbeaten run earlier in the campaign. However, his future has been under intense scrutiny for the past 18 months, with a series of big-money bids rejected.
A History of Failed Moves and Contract Standoff
Guehi's potential departure is a long-running story. In the summer of 2024, Newcastle United reportedly tabled an offer of around £65 million, which was turned down. The following January, Tottenham Hotspur saw a £70 million bid similarly rejected by the Palace hierarchy.
Most notably, Liverpool had agreed a £35 million deal for the centre-back in the summer of 2025. The transfer advanced to the stage where the player was reportedly at the club for a medical, only for the move to collapse on deadline day as Palace feared a lack of time to secure a replacement.
Guehi's contract at Selhurst Park runs until 30 June 2026, and he has shown no inclination to sign an extension after four-and-a-half years with the club. He has been free to negotiate with overseas clubs since 1 January.
Why Top Clubs Are Circling
The race for Guehi's signature is fiercely contested. Alongside Liverpool, Manchester City, Arsenal, and Chelsea are all confirmed admirers, with European giants like Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich also monitoring the situation. Most would prefer to sign him on a free transfer in the summer, but a January sale remains possible.
It is suggested that Crystal Palace may now consider offers below the £35 million asking price they set last summer. Manager Oliver Glasner has admitted he cannot offer complete certainty over Guehi's future, though he believes the captain will stay.
For Chelsea, the need is acute. Defensive struggles, exacerbated by Levi Colwill's season-ending ACL injury, have seen them concede 24 goals in 21 Premier League matches. Guehi, a product of the Chelsea academy where he spent 14 years, would offer immediate stability for new manager Liam Rosenior.
Arsenal's interest is more about squad depth and competition, despite their strong existing partnership of Gabriel and William Saliba. The Gunners' ambitions on multiple fronts make a player of Guehi's calibre an attractive proposition.
Despite the speculation, Guehi is not actively agitating for a move and is content to see out the season at Palace if no agreement is reached this month. The club is yet to receive any formal approaches.
