Marc Guehi’s Response to England Setback Reveals the Motivation Newcastle United Are Looking For
Crystal Palace star Marc Guehi remains a priority target for Newcastle United this summer, and his latest comments following an England setback could make him an even more attractive prospect for the Magpies.
Marc Guehi’s journey from being let go by Chelsea to becoming one of the most reliable defenders in the Premier League is nothing short of inspiring. Dismissed by some early in his career, Guehi has worked tirelessly to become a central figure at Crystal Palace, earning a place in the England national team along the way.
It’s no surprise, then, that Newcastle United are once again circling the Palace centre-back as a key summer transfer target. According to several reports, the Magpies are prepared to meet Crystal Palace’s valuation for the 24-year-old, believed to be around £50 million, despite stiff competition from Premier League rivals including Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur, and Liverpool.
Having come through the ranks at Chelsea’s famed academy, Guehi never made a Premier League appearance for the Blues before moving to Selhurst Park. Since then, his development has accelerated under the spotlight of top-flight football, earning admiration from former England boss Gareth Southgate and now catching the eye of current national team manager Thomas Tuchel.
Guehi earned his first England call-up in 2022 and went on to establish himself as a regular in Southgate’s plans. He played a key role in England’s EURO24 campaign last summer, cementing his place among the Three Lions’ most promising defensive talents.
Newcastle’s Longstanding Interest
Newcastle have held a long-standing interest in Guehi and tried to negotiate a deal last summer, but talks stalled as Palace stood firm on their valuation. With just one year remaining on his contract, however, there is growing optimism that a transfer could finally be agreed in the coming weeks.
The Magpies are in the market for a long-term central defensive partner for Dutch international Sven Botman. With Fabian Schär and Dan Burn both over the age of 30, squad depth and future planning have become pressing issues for manager Eddie Howe. Guehi, with his Premier League experience and international pedigree, represents an ideal fit.
A Mentality Newcastle Will Embrace
While Guehi’s talent on the pitch is clear, it’s his mindset off it that may endear him most to Eddie Howe and Newcastle’s recruitment team. After being left out of England’s starting lineup in Thomas Tuchel’s first game in charge—when Dan Burn was handed a debut and Aston Villa’s Ezri Konsa also featured—Guehi refused to dwell on disappointment. Instead, he used the experience to fuel his desire to improve.
“It’s part of football,” Guehi said after being recalled for a subsequent match against Latvia. “Of course I was disappointed, but we have a lot of very good centre-backs. Dan [Burn] has been excellent at Newcastle, Ezri has been playing really well. Levi [Colwill] didn’t get on either.”
Guehi added: “It just means I need to work a lot harder to ensure the manager sees me in his future plans. I don’t feel pressure—only motivation. Getting three points and a clean sheet against Latvia was a good outcome. Games like these might look straightforward, but they’re essential for building momentum and improving step by step.”
The Right Fit for Eddie Howe
That mature and driven attitude is likely to resonate strongly with Newcastle’s coaching staff. Howe has built a reputation for nurturing players and helping them reach new heights, with the likes of Joelinton, Jacob Murphy, and Fabian Schär all rejuvenated under his leadership. A player like Guehi, who is both ambitious and coachable, seems perfectly aligned with the club’s philosophy.
The defender’s recent injury—reportedly a suspected fractured eye socket sustained during Palace’s FA Cup Final triumph over Manchester City—has ruled him out of England’s June internationals. England manager Tuchel is said to have personally spoken to Guehi, assuring him that his absence from the squad was precautionary, aimed at avoiding further complications.
England face Andorra on Saturday, June 7, in a World Cup qualifier, followed by a friendly match against Senegal on June 10 at Nottingham Forest’s City Ground. While Guehi won’t be involved, his focus is firmly on recovery and making a strong return to action.
Conclusion
Marc Guehi’s resilience, professionalism, and hunger for improvement highlight why he’s such a highly sought-after asset this summer. For Newcastle United, who are not only searching for defensive reinforcement but also strong characters to lead the club forward, Guehi ticks every box.
As talks between the Magpies and Palace are expected to intensify, Guehi’s response to adversity may just be the deciding factor in convincing Eddie Howe he’s the right man to anchor Newcastle’s defense for years to come.