Marc Guehi of Crystal Palace warms up prior to the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Sunderland at Selhurst Park
Marc Guehi of Crystal Palace warms up prior to the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Sunderland at Selhurst Park
Marc Guehi has made his commitment to Crystal Palace clear after seeing a dream move to Liverpool collapse on transfer deadline day. The Reds agreed a £35m deal for the centre-back, who started to undergo a medical, only for the Eagles to pull the plug at the 11th hour after failing to sign a replacement.
Liverpool remain interested in signing Guehi, who is out of contract at Selhurst Park next summer. But they are at present unlikely to move for the centre-back in January given he will be available on a free at the end of the season.
The England international made his first appearance for Palace since his transfer collapse against Sunderland on Saturday.
And he directly addressed supporters in his captain’s column in the matchday programme, after manager Oliver Glasner previously confirmed he would retain the armband.
Guehi, perhaps unsurprisingly, did not acknowledge his failed move to Liverpool in his notes. But he took the time to thank Palace fans for their support as he shared his excitement to play alongside the club’s new signings and compete in this season’s Europa Conference League.
“After coming through two difficult challenges away from home before the break, it’s great to be back in South London this afternoon,” he wrote.
“It’s a new challenge getting used to playing on both a Thursday and Sunday throughout the season, but we are enjoying the experience.
“Having said that, it’s never an easy task when both games are away from home in such a short space of time.
“It was amazing to see so many of you make the trip over to Norway for our second leg against Fredrikstad. We know that so many people have worked very hard to see us play in Europe and experience nights just like that; it was great to witness it in person.
“Obviously, the game itself was a tough challenge. They made things very difficult for us and it wasn’t easy to find a rhythm against them. But I thought we managed the game with real maturity. Even towards the end when things started getting a big hectic, defensively the lads were excellent.
“Now we can look forward to the Conference League main tournament, with the league phase beginning next month. I’m looking forward to seeing more of you on those European away days and hopefully we can bring our best on the pitch to match the occasions.
“To then go away to Aston Villa and produce the performance we did, I think speaks volumes about what this team is capable of. Villa are a good team, and before that game, had not lost in the league at home in over a year, so we knew we’d have to move on quickly from last season and be at our best.
“Once again everyone raised their level and pulled out a top-level team display. The commitment and willingness to the defensive work helped us survive a tough period after half-time. Thankfully we were then able to take our chances at the other end and - in the end - fully deserved the win.
“I wanted to personally thank you for the support we received at both games. As a group of players, we know the sacrifices so many of you will have had to make to give us your support in Norway and then again in Birmingham just three days later. It’s never taken for granted.
“I'd like to welcome Yeremy (Pino), Jaydee (Canvot) and (Christantus) Uche to the team. They will all bring a high level of quality to the squad and I look forward to playing alongside them.
“Looking at today's game, we have another challenging task against a Sunderland team who have started the season very well.
“Our travelling support is always special to us, but now is a chance to show everyone once again that Selhurst Park is up there with the very best atmospheres in the Premier League. We'll all be giving everything to get another three points this afternoon. Make some noise, back the team and let's keep this fantastic run going."
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Glasner and chairman Steve Parish would also not reference Guehi’s almost exit in their own columns in the programme.
But the Palace manager did share his relief at the transfer window now being closed after retaining the services of his captain.
“It is good for us that the window has now shut,” he wrote.