Crystal Palace Set to Trigger Astonishing Clause in Japhet Tanganga Deal as Marc Guehi Exit Looms
Crystal Palace are preparing to make a shrewd move in the summer transfer window by activating an unexpected release clause to sign Millwall defender Japhet Tanganga — a transfer that could have major implications for the future of Marc Guehi.
The Eagles are bracing for the potential departure of Guehi, who remains one of the most sought-after central defenders in the Premier League. With interest mounting from clubs such as Newcastle United and Chelsea, Palace are working swiftly to line up reinforcements, and Tanganga has emerged as a priority target.
Tanganga Deal Could Open the Door for Guehi Exit
Palace’s recruitment team is reportedly ready to activate a surprisingly low £1.2 million release clause inserted into Tanganga’s Millwall contract — a clause only available to Premier League clubs during this transfer window. The 25-year-old centre-back joined Millwall permanently last summer following a loan spell, after his long-term association with Tottenham Hotspur came to an end.
During the 2024/25 campaign, Tanganga established himself as a fan favorite at The Den, making 43 appearances, scoring twice, and being voted both Supporters’ Player of the Season and Players’ Player of the Season. Despite Millwall rejecting offers above the release clause back in January in hopes of a late play-off push, they now face losing him for a fraction of his perceived value.
According to The Express, Millwall’s reluctance to part with Tanganga in the winter may now cost them dearly, as Crystal Palace and three other clubs — Sunderland, Leeds United, and Burnley — are all monitoring the situation closely. While competition is expected, Palace’s Premier League status, London location, and ambitions for European football give them a clear edge in negotiations.
Newcastle’s Guehi Hopes Tied to Palace’s Moves
Newcastle United remain firmly interested in Marc Guehi and have made the England international their top defensive target once again. After being turned down multiple times last summer — with offers reaching up to £65 million — the Magpies are optimistic that Guehi may be allowed to leave this time, particularly as he approaches the final year of his contract.
Guehi has not yet committed to a new deal, and although Palace remain hopeful of convincing him to extend his stay at Selhurst Park — especially after their FA Cup triumph secured European football — they are also pragmatic about the possibility of cashing in before his contract runs down.
Should Palace succeed in landing Tanganga, it would provide the squad with immediate defensive depth and a viable replacement, potentially clearing the way for Guehi’s departure. Palace manager Oliver Glasner is keen on ensuring continuity in the backline and does not want to be caught off guard.
Additional Targets and Defensive Restructuring at Palace
In addition to Tanganga, Palace are reportedly exploring a move for highly-rated Sporting CP centre-back Ousmane Diomande, who is also on Newcastle’s radar. However, Diomande would command a significantly higher fee — believed to be around £45 million — making Tanganga an attractive alternative due to his affordability and Premier League experience.
Tanganga, a product of Tottenham’s youth academy, brings versatility and leadership potential, which fits Glasner’s vision for the squad. He would also represent Palace’s first permanent signing of the summer window, as the club looks to reshape its defense following the exits of veteran players like Joel Ward and Jeffrey Schlupp, as well as the return of loanee Ben Chilwell to Chelsea.
Focus Turns to Retaining Tyrick Mitchell
While potential signings are in the spotlight, Palace are also working behind the scenes to secure the futures of key players. Left-back Tyrick Mitchell, whose current deal expires at the end of June, has attracted interest from Serie A giants AC Milan. With Milan preparing for the possible exit of star defender Theo Hernández, Mitchell has emerged as a top candidate to fill that void.
Palace are eager to tie Mitchell down to a new contract, viewing him as a cornerstone of their long-term defensive strategy. Losing both Mitchell and Guehi in the same window would be a major setback, and the club is keen to avoid such a scenario.
A Pivotal Summer Ahead at Selhurst Park
With the Friedkin Group’s recent investment and Palace’s return to European competition, the club is aiming to take the next step in its development under Glasner. Strategic recruitment will be crucial, and securing affordable, high-upside players like Tanganga could be the kind of calculated risk that pays off in both financial and footballing terms.
As things stand, the stage is set for a critical few weeks at Selhurst Park. Tanganga’s situation could be resolved quickly, especially with the player reportedly keen to sort out his future before the end of the month. Should Palace trigger his clause, it may accelerate Guehi’s exit — and ignite a chain reaction that could reshape Palace’s backline and Newcastle’s defense in one fell swoop.