Newcastle United Set to Renew Interest in £80m Defender Marc Guehi Amidst Crystal Palace’s Challenges
As the January transfer window approaches, Newcastle United is gearing up to intensify their pursuit of Crystal Palace’s standout defender, Marc Guehi. Reports from TEAMtalk indicate that the Magpies are contemplating an eye-watering £80 million bid for the England international, reflecting their determination to strengthen their defensive line. This renewed interest comes in light of Crystal Palace’s rocky start to the current season, which has left the club grappling with significant challenges, including the departure of key players like Michael Olise and Joachim Andersen.
Guehi, who showcased his talents during Euro 2024, has remained a highly coveted player, drawing attention not only from Newcastle but also from Manchester United in the previous summer transfer window. Although United had previously tracked the talented centre-back, they ultimately opted for alternative signings, bringing in Leny Yoro and Matthijs de Ligt instead. This turn of events has now positioned Newcastle to potentially capitalize on Guehi’s availability as they seek to fortify their defense.
The stakes are high for Crystal Palace, which has faced difficulties in the early stages of the season. Despite the turmoil, the club successfully retained Guehi, which is no small feat given the pressure to offload assets during tumultuous times. Chairman Steve Parish can take solace in holding onto Guehi and their key player, Eberechi Eze, as the club looks to stabilize after a challenging summer.
Newcastle’s interest in Guehi is not new; they had previously made three attempts to secure his signature during the last transfer window. However, all bids were swiftly rebuffed, with Palace setting their asking price in the range of £80-85 million. The highest offer Newcastle put forth was reported to be around £65 million, which Palace deemed insufficient to part with their prized defender. This seemingly insurmountable price tag left many speculating that Guehi was priced out of a move—especially considering the relative stature of Newcastle compared to Manchester United, who are often seen as the more glamorous destination.
Interestingly, it has been suggested that Guehi harbors a preference for a switch to Liverpool, particularly after witnessing United’s lack of serious interest this summer. While Liverpool may also consider making a bid, reports indicate they are currently reluctant to meet Palace’s demands. However, Guehi has not publicly expressed a desire to leave, allowing Palace to approach the situation with a degree of confidence.
As Newcastle prepares to make a substantial offer, the pressure is now on both the club and Palace. A successful bid of £80 million would not only secure Guehi’s services but also set a new record for Newcastle, surpassing the £63 million they spent on Alexander Isak from Real Sociedad in 2022. This potential transfer signifies not only Newcastle’s ambition but also highlights Guehi’s rising status in the Premier League.
Ultimately, the upcoming transfer window is poised to be a pivotal moment for both Newcastle and Crystal Palace. The fate of Guehi remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: interest in the talented defender will only grow as the season progresses, and Newcastle’s willingness to meet Crystal Palace’s valuation will determine the outcome of this high-profile chase. As the January window approaches, all eyes will be on the potential developments surrounding Marc Guehi and his future in the Premier League.