The summer transfer window is fast approaching, and clubs across the Premier League Giants are lining up their targets. One name that continues to surface on multiple shortlists is Marc Guéhi, the ever-consistent Crystal Palace and England international centre-back.
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea, and Newcastle United all remain seriously interested in Guéhi’s services. The contract uncertainties continue to loom with the risk of Guéhi leaving as a free agent in 2026. Palace could be forced into a decision this summer to sell now and secure a significant fee. However, there is risk of losing one of their most valuable assets for nothing in two years.
Guéhi’s Rise: From Chelsea Academy to Palace Star
Marc Guéhi is no overnight success story. A product of Chelsea youth system he shone in his years of development. The defender led the youth teams and played an extremely influential role in helping Blues win the UEFA Youth League and the FA Youth Cup. Although he never made the first team at Chelsea, Guéhi seemed from his first appearance to have impressive ability.
In 2021, he was very convinced when he declared his intentions to quit Chelsea forever and join Crystal Palace with the hope that he was going to make a mark in the Premier League on a regular basis. That move has since proven to be a masterstroke. Over the last three seasons, Guéhi has developed into one of the most reliable and composed centre-backs in the English top flight.
Top Clubs Want Former Chelsea Star
Tottenham Hotspur have had defensive issues for several seasons now. While the arrival of Micky van de Ven has shored up their backline to some extent, injuries and inconsistency have exposed the lack of depth. The addition of a mature Premier League central defender such as Guéhi would strengthen Spurs’ backline substantially, and provide the defensive shoring they demand as they gun for Champions League places.
Chelsea’s interest in signing Marc Guéhi hasn’t weakened since he left the club in 2021. Club’s involvement in developing young prospects means signing an ex-academy spoiled because he has played well with another club suits them. Newcastle’s rise under Eddie Howe has been impressive, but to remain competitive in the top four and in Europe, they’ll need greater squad depth.
Contract Situation: Summer Move or Risk Losing Him for Free?
One of the most important things in this saga of transfer is Guéhi’s current contract status. Crystal Palace current contract of Guéhi ends in the year 2026. Moreover, there is no public proof has been found of the club’s interest to renew the contract. According to Fabrizio Romano, Palace could risk losing Guéhi on a free transfer with his deal expiring in 2026.
Selling Guéhi would provide funds for a potential rebuild — possibly allowing Palace to invest in other areas of the squad. However, it will be a major loss, particularly as they look to climb into the top half of the table. Crystal Palace are in the race for European qualification in coming years.
Palace’s Dilemma: Keep Their Star or Rebuild?
The presence of Guéhi in Crystal Palace’s squad has turned out to be a big strength for the club. Apart from his remarkable defensive abilities, he plays a major role of motivating his teammates. If he requests to be released and no new deal can be offered by the club; then the Palace management may end up with an unpleasant option.
During Palace’s remarkable 3-0 beating of Aston Villa in the FA Cup semifinals, when Guéhi showed his full arsenal of abilities – a positioning game plan, stability under pressure, and superior anticipation skills.
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