Report: What people close to Marc Guehi are still saying about Newcastle
The ongoing transfer saga surrounding Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi has developed into one of the summer’s most intriguing narratives, with Newcastle United finding themselves at a crossroads in their long-standing pursuit of the England international.
As Liverpool emerge as serious competitors for the center-back’s signature, the Magpies face a critical test of their recruitment strategy and pulling power in an increasingly competitive market.
Sources close to the player have intriguingly refused to rule out a move to Tyneside, despite growing momentum behind Liverpool’s approach.
This nuanced position suggests Guehi’s camp remains open to multiple possibilities, potentially keeping Newcastle in contention should they act decisively.
The situation represents a significant shift from last summer’s impasse, when Palace’s £70 million valuation – which would have placed Guehi among history’s five most expensive defenders – proved prohibitive.
Market dynamics have altered considerably in twelve months. With Guehi now entering the final year of his Selhurst Park contract, his price tag has nearly halved to a more palatable £40 million.
This dramatic depreciation stems from Palace’s weakened negotiating position – the defender could theoretically run down his deal and leave for nothing in 2025, a scenario that gives Guehi unprecedented leverage in determining his next destination.
Newcastle’s interest predates Liverpool’s involvement, with Eddie Howe identifying the 24-year-old as his ideal defensive reinforcement across multiple transfer windows.
The appeal is clear: Guehi’s composed left-footed distribution, aerial dominance (winning 68% of duels last season), and Premier League experience make him a perfect fit for Howe’s system.
His leadership qualities – having captained Palace on numerous occasions – would also help address Newcastle’s occasional defensive fragilities.
However, Liverpool’s late entry into the race complicates matters significantly. The Reds can offer Champions League football and the chance to work under Arne Slot’s progressive system, factors that may outweigh Newcastle’s ability to guarantee more consistent starting opportunities.
Yet Guehi’s representatives have carefully avoided closing any doors, perhaps recognizing that Newcastle could provide a clearer pathway to becoming the defensive cornerstone of an ambitious project.
Financial considerations add another layer to this transfer puzzle. While the reduced fee makes Guehi more accessible, his wage demands and the potential for agent fees could still stretch Newcastle’s budget at a time when Financial Fair Play compliance remains paramount.
The club must weigh whether investing heavily in one defensive target represents better value than spreading resources across multiple positions.
The coming weeks will reveal whether Newcastle can convert their longstanding interest into a concrete agreement.
Guehi’s situation epitomizes the modern transfer market’s complexities – where player power, contract situations, and competing ambitions create fluid negotiations.
For Newcastle, securing their top defensive target would send a powerful message about their ability to compete with the traditional ‘Big Six’, while losing out to Liverpool would represent another frustrating near-miss in their pursuit of elite talent.
As the saga unfolds, one truth becomes evident: Guehi’s next move will not only shape Newcastle’s defensive line for years to come but also serve as a barometer of the club’s growing stature in English football’s evolving hierarchy.
The Magpies’ recruitment team now faces a defining challenge – to demonstrate they can outmaneuver wealthier rivals for a player whose qualities could elevate their backline to new heights.