Oliver Glasner putting his foot down to stop Marc Guéhi leaving for Liverpool was a show of Crystal Palace strength. It’s perhaps something they’d have found more difficult to do a few years ago.
Blocking that sale has only sent the transfer claims off into the stratosphere. All the usual talking heads are making claims of interest in the 25-year-old, hoping one of their punts will become true.
That’s all encouraged by the Crystal Palace player’s contract expiring at the end of June. A renewal looks unlikely at this stage, so without that there’s only January to get money. Following the winter market, Marc Guéhi could negotiate with other clubs ahead of free agent status.
One of the many giants linked with the defender is Barcelona.
Catalan newspaper Mundo Deportivo cover it today. Their headline says Barcelona are in a battle with Bayern Munich, although that’s based on other reports. There’s also interest from Liverpool and Real Madrid, the latter at least reportedly.
However, when Mundo Deportivo talk specifically about their local club and the Crystal Palace player, they talk it down: ‘The priority for the axis of the defence seems to be a left-footed centre back after the departure ofIñigo Martínez.’
Guéhi is right footed, and whilst he’s considered a ‘gem in the market’, it doesn’t feel like a channel Barcelona are actively pursuing right now.