Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi could leave the Premier League next year despite long-standing interest from Liverpool, with Real Madrid, Barcelona and Bayern Munich emerging as three potential destinations for the 25-year-old defender, Sky Sports journalist Kaveh Solhekol has revealed.
The England international has informed Palace he does not want to sign a new contract and will leave Selhurst Park next year, with head coach Oliver Glasner confirming the news on Friday.
Guehi, who was close to joining Liverpool this summer, will be able to sign a pre-contract agreement with a foreign club in January, when his Palace deal enters its final six months.
Glasner revealed Palace offered Guehi a contract extension, but he rebuffed the proposal, with the South London club now working on the next steps regarding the 25-year-old’s pending exit.
Marc Guehi Set for Crystal Palace Exit
marc guehi
Solhekol predicts Guehi could end up signing for one of the Spanish clubs next summer - foreign sides have an advantage over his long-term admirers Liverpool, as they will be able to sign a pre-contract agreement with the defender in January:
“If I had to put money on it, I would say he's going to end up next summer playing for Real Madrid or Barcelona.
“Those clubs now have an advantage because they can sign a pre-contract agreement with him in January, which Premier League clubs obviously can't do.
“Premier League clubs could make Crystal Palace a big offer for him in January. But how big would it be considering he's going to be a free agent in the summer?
“Speaking to some people at other Premier League clubs, they're telling me is the feeling is that Real Madrid, Barcelona and Bayern Munich are all interested in signing him, and they definitely will have the advantage.”
Guehi was heavily linked with a Palace exit this summer and saw his move to Liverpool collapse on the final day of the transfer window, as the Eagles were unable to sign a replacement in time.
Palace oversaw the departures of both Michael Olise and Eberechi Eze in the last 18 months and will now be tasked with replacing their captain, who has been instrumental in their recent success under Glasner.
Guehi lifted both the FA Cup and the Community Shield with Palace this year and helped the club embark on a stunning 18-game unbeaten run, before a 2-1 defeat at Everton earlier this month ended it.
The Eagles face Bournemouth at home on Saturday, followed by a Conference League clash against Cypriot side Larnaca on Thursday.