£50m player has no plans to sign a new contract amid interest from Newcastle United
Newcastle United have set their sights on Crystal Palace’s standout defender, Marc Guehi, as a potential summer transfer target.
The 23-year-old, currently showcasing his talents with the England national team at Euro 2024, has caught the eye of many top clubs. Despite his impressive performances on the international stage, Guehi’s future at Selhurst Park remains uncertain.
Marc Guehi has been instrumental in England’s journey to the Euro 2024 semi-finals, despite missing the penalty shootout victory over Switzerland due to suspension.
His defensive prowess has not gone unnoticed, significantly enhancing his reputation. As Gareth Southgate’s squad prepares to face the Netherlands, Guehi is expected to return to the starting lineup, further solidifying his status as one of England’s key players.
Newcastle United’s interest in Marc Guehi is not new. Dan Ashworth, now Manchester United’s sporting director, initially identified Guehi as a prime target. Although Ashworth has moved on, Newcastle’s desire to bring Guehi to Tyneside persists.
With Guehi’s contract at Crystal Palace running until 2026, the Eagles are not in immediate pressure to sell but are keen to extend his stay by offering a new contract with a release clause.
According to reports from The Sun, Marc Guehi is not interested in signing a new contract with Crystal Palace. Despite the club’s efforts to retain him, Guehi is eager to explore his options.
This stance opens the door for a potential transfer, with Newcastle poised to capitalize on the situation. Valued at £50 million, Guehi’s market worth aligns well with Newcastle’s £100 million transfer budget for the summer.
Crystal Palace faces a crucial decision regarding Guehi’s future. With his value peaking after an exceptional Euro 2024 performance, this summer might present the best opportunity for the Eagles to secure a lucrative transfer fee.
However, losing Guehi would be a significant blow, especially following the departure of Michael Olise to Bayern Munich and ongoing speculation about Eberechi Eze’s future. Newcastle has also shown interest in Eze, further complicating Palace’s transfer strategy.
While Marc Guehi fits within Newcastle’s financial parameters, the club’s transfer budget must also accommodate other key positions, particularly the right-wing.
Jarrod Bowen of West Ham United is reportedly Newcastle’s top target for the wing, and securing his services will demand a substantial investment. Consequently, this financial balancing act might limit Newcastle’s ability to pursue Guehi aggressively.
Given the financial constraints and the need to address multiple areas in the squad, Newcastle might consider alternative defensive options. AC Milan’s Malick Thiaw has emerged as a viable target.
Thiaw, valued at £34 million, represents a more economical choice compared to Guehi. His availability at a lower cost makes him an attractive option for Newcastle, especially as they aim to strengthen their squad comprehensively.
As Newcastle United navigates the summer transfer market, the club’s strategic decisions will significantly impact their upcoming Premier League campaign. Marc Guehi remains a top target, but financial prudence and squad balance will dictate the final moves.
For Crystal Palace, the summer presents a challenging scenario of retaining or cashing in on their star defender. As the transfer window progresses, the futures of both Marc Guehi and Newcastle United will become clearer, with fans eagerly awaiting the outcomes.
