Why Tottenham may have a big ‘problem’ in trying to sign Marc Guehi this summer

Tottenham Hotspur Face Crucial Summer as Thomas Frank Eyes Squad Reinforcements Amid Guehi Transfer Challenge

Tottenham Hotspur are bracing for a pivotal summer transfer window as new head coach Thomas Frank begins to shape the squad in his own image, both tactically and personnel-wise. With Spurs returning to the UEFA Champions League next season, the club is expected to be highly active in the market, addressing key areas of weakness that contributed to their underwhelming Premier League campaign last season.

The Lilywhites have already made one significant move early in the window, converting the loan deal of Bayern Munich’s promising forward Mathys Tel into a permanent transfer. However, much more is expected in the coming weeks as Frank and the club’s hierarchy seek to elevate the team’s competitive edge both domestically and in Europe.

A central priority appears to be bolstering the defensive line, and one of the names high on Tottenham’s radar is Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi. The 23-year-old England international has emerged as one of the Premier League’s most reliable and composed centre-backs in recent seasons, prompting widespread interest from several top clubs. Despite Spurs’ long-standing admiration for Guehi, signing him this summer is shaping up to be a complicated affair.

Alasdair Gold Explains Spurs’ Dilemma in Pursuit of Guehi

Tottenham insider and football.london journalist Alasdair Gold recently addressed the club’s interest in Guehi during his latest Q&A session with supporters. According to Gold, Tottenham have been tracking the Palace defender for some time and even made an approach in the January transfer window. However, that attempt was rebuffed, largely due to Palace’s inability to source a replacement midway through the season.

Now, with the summer window in full swing, Spurs are once again weighing up a move – but several obstacles could stand in their way.

“Tottenham have been long-term admirers of Guehi and made an approach in January that was turned down,” said Gold. “This summer, they may look to revisit that interest. However, the situation is complicated by the fact that other top clubs, notably Liverpool and Arsenal, are also closely monitoring him.”

Gold also highlighted a potential issue concerning squad depth at the centre-back position. Despite Guehi’s obvious quality, Spurs already have an abundance of centre-halves on their books. Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven, Kevin Danso, Radu Dragusin, and Ben Davies are all senior options, while youngsters like Luka Vuskovic, Ashley Phillips, and Alfie Dorrington are pushing through the ranks.

“Guehi’s top priority appears to be regular playing time,” Gold added. “Even with Spurs offering Champions League football, the competition for minutes could deter him, especially if Romero remains at the club. Unless Romero is sold or Frank shifts to a three-at-the-back system, it’s difficult to see Guehi walking into the starting XI.”

The uncertainty surrounding Romero’s future is therefore a key variable. Should the Argentine depart, Guehi would likely slot straight into the starting lineup. However, as Gold cautioned, by the time Romero’s situation is clarified, rival clubs may already have firmed up their interest and moved ahead in the race.

Crystal Palace’s Stance: No Bargain Deals for Guehi

Adding to Tottenham’s challenge is Crystal Palace’s firm stance on Guehi’s valuation. Although the defender’s contract runs until the summer of 2026, there is growing speculation that he may not renew, especially with European football and international aspirations on the horizon. This summer could represent the best opportunity for Palace to secure a sizable fee—yet that doesn’t mean they’ll entertain cut-price bids.

According to TBR Football’s chief correspondent Graeme Bailey, Palace chairman Steve Parish is prepared to stand his ground, even if it means losing Guehi for free in 2026.

“Marc Guehi has plenty of options this summer,” said Bailey. “Sources close to the situation say it’s far too early to name favourites in the race for his signature. Yes, he’s just lifted the FA Cup, and Palace have qualified for Europe, so there’s a legitimate chance he stays.”

Bailey continued: “Steve Parish won’t be strong-armed into selling Guehi cheaply. Anyone who has dealt with him before knows that Crystal Palace don’t do fire sales. If a club comes in without a serious offer, they’ll be turned away immediately.”

This stance underlines the uphill battle Spurs – and any other suitor – face in attempting to lure Guehi away from Selhurst Park this summer. Palace are under no immediate pressure to sell, and with the added lure of European competition next season, Guehi may be tempted to remain in south London a little longer.

Summary

In summary, Tottenham Hotspur’s interest in Marc Guehi is longstanding and well-documented. But with stiff competition from top Premier League rivals, an already congested defensive unit, and Crystal Palace’s hardline stance on transfers, bringing the England international to north London will be far from straightforward. Much will depend on how quickly Spurs can resolve Cristian Romero’s future, and whether Thomas Frank is prepared to reshuffle his system or move out other defenders to accommodate a new marquee signing at the back. Either way, Tottenham’s summer is only just beginning, and the stakes could not be higher.