Newcastle United’s manager Eddie Howe is fervently pursuing significant reinforcements for his central defense as the club gears up for the highly anticipated 2024/25 season. The Magpies, having endured a challenging campaign last year where they conceded a staggering 62 goals across 38 Premier League matches, are acutely aware of the necessity to bolster their defensive options.
The dire need for a more robust defense became even more apparent when key players, such as the imperious Sven Botman and club captain Jamaal Lascelles, succumbed to injuries in the latter stages of the season. Their absences left a considerable void in the backline, prompting Newcastle to make a strategic move by acquiring Lloyd Kelly from Bournemouth on a free transfer. Despite this addition, there is a prevailing sentiment that further reinforcement is essential to meet the club’s lofty aspirations of securing a Champions League spot once again.
Marc Guehi of Crystal Palace has emerged as the ideal candidate to address these defensive frailties. The 24-year-old has been a standout performer in the Premier League for the past five seasons with Palace, demonstrating exceptional leadership qualities despite his relatively young age. Guehi was also a key player for Gareth Southgate’s England squad at Euro 2024, where he was instrumental in the team’s historic run to the final on foreign soil, showcasing his talents on the grand stage in Germany.
However, negotiations with Crystal Palace have proven to be a complex affair. Although the Eagles have shown a keen interest in retaining Guehi following a strong end to last season, the defender’s reluctance to extend his contract beyond 2026 has prompted Palace’s management to consider cashing in on him. As a result, Newcastle United have made multiple attempts to secure Guehi’s signature. Reports indicate that the club has put forward three bids for the player, with the second bid estimated around £50 million. Palace, however, are believed to be holding out for a fee closer to £65 million. It remains uncertain whether Newcastle’s third bid aligns with Palace’s valuation or if there have been attempts to negotiate a reduced price. Nonetheless, there is a sense of cautious optimism that an agreement could still be reached.
In light of the pressing need for a central defender, Newcastle’s focus on acquiring Guehi is underscored by the significant injuries sustained by Botman and Lascelles, both of whom are expected to be sidelined for several months due to ACL injuries. The club cannot afford to embark on the new season without bolstering their defensive ranks, and The Athletic has revealed that Newcastle is diligently working on a list of alternative targets should their pursuit of Guehi falter.
Among the potential alternatives is AC Milan’s Malick Thiaw. The 23-year-old German international impressed during the Champions League group stages against Newcastle and has been linked with a move to St James’ Park for a reported fee of £35 million. Despite these links, Thiaw is currently content at Milan, which may complicate his potential transfer. Another name that has surfaced as a possible target is Joachim Andersen, Guehi’s defensive partner at Crystal Palace. The 28-year-old Danish international is reportedly the subject of a £20 million bid from Fulham and has been a crucial figure in Palace’s defense for several seasons. Andersen’s defensive capabilities are evidenced by his impressive statistics, ranking in the top six percent for clearances per 90 minutes and the top four percent for expected assisted goals, reflecting his playmaking prowess from deep.
However, it is unlikely that Crystal Palace will be willing to part with both Guehi and Andersen simultaneously. Consequently, Newcastle may only pursue Andersen if their efforts to sign Guehi ultimately fail. Andersen’s valuation is estimated around £40 million, adding another layer of complexity to Newcastle’s defensive recruitment plans.