The Marc Guehi transfer saga has recently taken another unwelcome turn for Newcastle United.
Newcastle tried to sign Guehi in 2024, and Geordie Boot Boys understands the Crystal Palace defender remains a target this summer.
However, Liverpool want to sign Guehi, who has now entered the final year of his contract at Selhurst Park.
That is bad news for Newcastle United. Eddie Howe wants to sign a defender this summer and the idea of a long-standing target going to a Premier League rival would be a bitter pill to swallow.
Still, there may yet be some hope for Newcastle in their pursuit of the England international.
Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi playing against Chelsea in the Premier League.
Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images
Marc Guehi not ruling out move to Newcastle United
According to The Chronicle, Newcastle were given encouragement to make a move during the opening stages of the summer transfer window.
However, it’s added that Liverpool’s move for the 24-year-old now appears to have “genuine momentum”.
Still, they also add that people close to Guehi are yet to rule out the prospect of a move to Newcastle this summer.
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Once again, this is becoming a saga at St James’ Park.
Marc Guehi’s price tag has drastically dropped a year after Newcastle United saga
Palace valued Guehi at £70million last summer, a fee that would have made him one of the most expensive defenders in the history of football.
Had Newcastle paid that price, the former Chelsea youngster would instantly have become the fifth-most expensive defender of all time.
Player Buying club Fee
Harry Maguire Manchester United (2019) £80m
Josko Gvardiol Man City (2023) £77m
Virgil van Dijk Liverpool (2018) £75m
Wesley Fofana Chelsea (2022) £70m
Lucas Hernandez Bayern Munich (2019) £68m
Most expensive defenders in world football, data via BBC Sport
One year on, however, and Guehi’s market value has significantly dropped. Newcastle think they could sign Guehi for £40million this summer, which is perhaps best explained by the fact he’s only got a year left on his contract.
That puts the player in a very strong position. He could theoretically stay at Palace for another season, run his contract down, and secure a lucrative free transfer in the summer of 2026.