Crystal Palace center-back Marc Guehi could return to Chelsea if the Blues trigger a clause inserted during his sale. The Sun reports that Chelsea is interested in re-signing their academy star after he left last summer. Tom Barclay of The Sun has further stated that a clause in the Crystal Palace defender’s contract could see him back at Stamford Bridge. However, it is in the hands of the Blues should they decide to sign him back.
Guehi cam through the ranks of Chelsea’s youth set-up, but failed to make it to the first-team. He also spent loan-spells at Swansea during his time with the Blues. But the center-back wasn’t deemed as a first-team material and was cashed-on in the summer. Palace revived the 21-year-old and has now become one of the ‘stars’ of the team. The Eagles signed him for £18 million, and Guehi has since impressed under Patrick Viera. However, Guehi still has a shot at Chelsea career should the Blues welcome him back by triggering a clause which activates by the summer of 2023.
Guehi rejuvenated at Palace
Marc Guehi had made over 100 appearances for Chelsea’s youth teams. The Blues loaned him to Swansea City for his further development, where he played a massive 59 games over two season. However, it wasn’t convincing enough for Chelsea, where Guehi made only 2 appearances for the first-team. But Guehi has only improved since leaving Stamford Bridge, playing 33 games for Crystal Palace so far this season.
Moreover, the defender has also chipped-in with 4 goals for the Eagles as well. Guehi is a confident man with ball too, averaging 66.7 passes and 4.1 long-balls per game. The center-back has cemented his place at the back with Crystal Palace, starting 28 of their 29 premier league games. Guehi’s powerful performances earned him his maiden England national team call-up for friendlies against Switzerland and Ivory Coast. And now Chelsea could again get their hands on Guehi next year thanks to a crucial clause.
Barclay reveals the clause inserted by Chelsea
Chelsea have been sanctioned heavily by the British government due to their Russian owner Roman Abramovich. Until a change in the ownership is seen, the Blues are barred from making any transfer-related activities. Unfortunately, that also includes any contract extensions. Center-backs Antonio Rudiger, Andreas Christensen and right-back Cesar Azpilicueta are out of contract in the summer, and look set to leave. Tuchel will have only a handful of center-backs at his disposal, with most of them inexperienced.
As a result, Chelsea are exploring the possibilities of bringing back Guehi from Palace. Tom Barclay has provided an insight on the clause which could allow Chelsea to sign Guehi back. Barclay while speaking to GIVEMESPORT said, “I don’t think they do have a buyback clause. My understanding is they have a clause, which kicks in next summer, where if another club makes a bid and it gets accepted then they have the right to match that bid and have it accepted.
“His story at Chelsea might not definitely be over, but it’s not as simple as Tino Livramento, for example, where if they just offer close to £38million, they can get him back”. It seems Guehi could provide Chelsea the solution to their defence, but only by 2023 when the clause comes in effect.
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