Marc Guehi is set to be at the centre of a transfer battle in 2026.placeholder image
Marc Guehi is set to be at the centre of a transfer battle in 2026. | Getty Images
Liverpool, Arsenal and Man City are among the clubs keen to sign Crystal
Marc Guehi may not push for a January transfer as it could jeopardise his chances of starting for England at the World Cup, it has been claimed.
The centre-back’s future is once again a hot topic after he saw a summer move to Liverpool collapse. Crystal Palace pulled the plug on Guehi’s switch to Anfield at the 11th hour, having agreed a £35 million deal.
With Guehi being rendered a free agent in the summer, he will not be short of suitors with Liverpool, Manchester City, Arsenal, Barcelona and Bayern Munich all linked with potential swoops.
City are said to be keen this month after injuries to Josko Gvardiol, Ruben Dias and John Stones. Sections of Liverpool fans are also hoping that Arne Slot’s side might make a move, especially with Conor Bradley potentially suffering a serious injury.
Guehi is an out-and-out starter for England heading into the World Cup later this year. But a move mid-season could see him play fewer minutes at a new club and, therefore, potentially change Thomas Tuchel’s plans. The likes of Aston Villa’s Enzi Konsa, Manchester United’s, Newcastle’s Dan Burn and Stones - depending on his fitness - will harbour ambitions of featuring from the outset at the tournament.
What’s been said
TalkSPORT’s Ben Jacobs said: “Guehi might prefer to wait and pick his clubs after the World Cup when he can pick his suitors. At the moment, Manchester City are exploring a deal for January but Guehi is almost the roadblock because he is quite prepared to wait. He knows if he keeps playing at Crystal Palace, that's his best chance of getting a starting spot in Thomas Tuchel's squad, especially when you factor in Harry Maguire is not playing every week and Levi Colwill is injured. Guehi is not agitated to go this season but Crystal Palace might prefer the money.
“My understanding is that Palace want in excess for th £35 million they agreed with Liverpool in the summer because Palace might have to overpay for a target in January because the January market tends to favour the seller. It remains to be seen whether Man City will bid that number knowing Guehi will be a free agent. Arsenal are there, they prefer to do the deal in the summer and so do Liverpool.
“Barca have looked but I'm told Guehi's wages are too high. He's not being unreasonable but wants a relatively lucrative Premier League wage and Barcelona's finances are relatively tight. Guehi may prepare to do the deal in the summer because if he joins a big club and becomes a squad player, it might impact his position as a started [for England] and that's what he wants.”
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