Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish may lean towards selling Liverpool-linked Marc Guehi if he cannot sign a new deal at Selhurst Park.
According to a report by Graeme Bailey on TBR Football, Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish could make a decision on the immediate future of star defender Marc Guehi. The Eagles supremo is leaning tpowards selling the defender following some comments in midweek, with Liverpool set to be boosted by the call, and they could revive their pursuit.
Oliver Glasner was in a disjointed mood in midweek despite Crystal Palace securing a narrow 1-0 win over Fredrikstad in their UEFA Europa Conference League qualifiers. Heading into that game, Arsenal had agreed a deal for star attacker Eberechi Eze, who, despite earlier expectations, did not feature in midweek.
Glasner was obviously disappointed at the prospect of losing Eze and called for effective reinforcements to strengthen the squad in the window. He also commented on the Marc Guehi situation, with the defender on the ropes with regards to his future, having already entered the final year of his deal.
Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish was asked about the defender’s situation, and he said, “If Marc wants to sign a contract, he can stay. If he doesn’t, we have to look at it. It’s a difficult situation; everyone has to sell players to comply with the rules. Players leaving on a free is not an ideal situation. That’s a situation that we will have to look at in the next days.”
There is a clear indication in his words that the club might lean towards selling Guehi, for whom Crystal Palace want around £40 million. They have already identified Jeremy Jacquet as a viable replacement, but so far, they are not close to selling Guehi despite heavy links to Liverpool.
Crystal Palace had also considered a move for Arsenal’s Jakub Kiwior, but there are considerable doubts as the Polish defender may seek a move abroad. As for Guehi, as Parish mentioned, he needs to sign a new deal to stay at the club, and cement his starting role with the side, or move on, as Liverpool are still expected to chase the £40 million-rated centre-back.
Will Liverpool sign Marc Guehi?
Liverpool’s pursuit of the £40 million-rated centre-back may look straightforward on paper, but there are plenty of complications in the background. Earlier reports stated they had failed with a few approaches, and there are concerns from the player’s side whether he will be a guaranteed starter, given this is a World Cup year, where he would like to play regularly.
Liverpool have been expected to resume talks with Crystal Palace, although there is the issue of his asking price, as they are only prepared to pay around £30 million despite the Eagles asking for £40 million. There is a feeling that the two sides might come to a middle ground to get a deal done, but there’s also a chance that Marc Guehi continues with Crystal Palace and sees out his deal at Selhurst Park.