Newcastle United get Marc Guehi go-ahead as Palace line up ambitious replacement

Newcastle United may finally be edging closer to their first significant move of the summer transfer window as they receive a major boost in their pursuit of Marc Guehi.

Crystal Palace, who managed to retain the England international last season despite serious interest from several Premier League clubs, now appear willing to entertain discussions regarding a potential deal.

With Guehi’s contract set to expire next year, Palace are reportedly open to cashing in on the centre-back while they still can, with a fee in the region of £50 million understood to be acceptable.

Newcastle have maintained a consistent interest in Guehi, who fits the club’s recruitment profile perfectly. At 24, he combines youth with valuable Premier League experience and has already cemented himself as a reliable option in Gareth Southgate’s England setup.

For manager Eddie Howe and his staff, Guehi represents a smart investment in a player entering his prime years, someone who could solidify the backline and make an immediate impact, particularly as the Magpies prepare for another demanding Champions League campaign.

Despite the club operating under a modest transfer budget this summer, Newcastle still have the resources to make strategic improvements to their squad without needing to offload key assets.

While they intend to be prudent and maintain financial discipline, they also recognize the reality of modern football economics—Premier League quality comes at a cost.

At £50 million, Guehi would command a substantial outlay, but one that the club appears ready to consider, especially given his pedigree and long-term value.

Encouragingly for Newcastle, Crystal Palace’s own transfer activity signals that they might be ready to let Guehi leave. Reports indicate the South London club is preparing a bold move for Sporting CP’s Ousmane Diomande.

The 21-year-old Ivorian defender enjoyed an excellent season in Portugal and has emerged as one of the most coveted young talents in Europe.

Although Arsenal were believed to be monitoring Diomande’s situation, it now seems Palace are ready to make the first concrete offer, with a proposed £45 million bid reportedly in the works.

If Palace succeed in bringing Diomande to Selhurst Park, the move is likely to open the door for Guehi’s departure.

While the Eagles are not under immediate pressure to sell due to the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR), the arrival of a high-profile central defender would reduce their reliance on Guehi and help balance the books should a sizeable offer come in.

Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea also remain interested in the England international, but uncertainty at Spurs following the sacking of Ange Postecoglou could give Newcastle the edge in negotiations.

The situation remains fluid, but the combination of Guehi’s contractual circumstances, Palace’s pursuit of Diomande, and Newcastle’s quiet confidence suggest a deal could materialize sooner rather than later.

As of now, Newcastle have yet to make any major senior signings in the current transfer window. Their only addition has been the promising young forward Antonio Cordero, a long-term project rather than an immediate first-team regular.

The Magpies have also been linked with a move for Nottingham Forest winger Anthony Elanga, but the clock is ticking. The current phase of the summer window will pause temporarily on June 10, giving clubs only a few more days to finalize deals before a brief suspension.

The window will reopen on June 16 and remain active through the rest of the summer, giving Newcastle sufficient time to structure and complete any potential high-profile signings.

Importantly, with no competitive fixtures until their first pre-season match against Celtic on July 19, Newcastle can afford to be deliberate and strategic in their approach.

The club is under no immediate scheduling pressure, which allows the recruitment team to focus on securing the right deals rather than rushing to make quick announcements.

The road ahead promises more movement, but all signs point to Marc Guehi as a top priority for Newcastle United.

His acquisition would send a strong message about the club’s ambitions and reinforce their commitment to building a squad capable of competing at the highest level, both in the Premier League and in Europe.

If Palace close the deal for Diomande, it may well clear the path for Guehi’s arrival at St. James’ Park, setting the tone for what could be a transformative summer on Tyneside.