Marc Guehi bombshell – Newcastle United can stop Liverpool and sign 25 y/o for nothing
Marc Guehi Ready to See Out Crystal Palace Contract as Newcastle Keep Tabs – Free Transfer a Possibility in 2025
England international Marc Guehi is reportedly willing to run down the final year of his contract at Crystal Palace, setting the stage for a high-profile free transfer next summer. Newcastle United, who have long admired the defender, could be poised to benefit from the situation without having to pay a transfer fee.
Newcastle’s interest in Guehi dates back to last summer, when the 25-year-old’s reputation soared following an impressive stint with the England national team at Euro 2024. The Magpies were heavily linked with the centre-back, with various national media outlets suggesting that the Tyneside club had tabled offers reaching up to £70 million. However, NewcastleWorld sources dispute that claim, indicating the club’s final offer was significantly lower.
Crystal Palace Demanded “Superstar Money”
Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish was adamant that Guehi would not be sold unless a bid matching his perceived “superstar” value arrived. The club had just lost another key player, Michael Olise, earlier in the window and were determined not to be seen as a selling club. As a result, Palace placed an extremely high price tag on Guehi’s head, deterring even serious suitors like Newcastle.
Ultimately, Newcastle opted against overextending themselves due to concerns about breaching the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR). Operating within tight financial parameters, the Magpies decided to put their pursuit on hold rather than risk sanctions.
Guehi’s Uncertain Future a Growing Concern for Palace
Now, with just one year remaining on his contract, Guehi appears in no hurry to resolve his future. According to The Guardian, the defender is open to remaining at Selhurst Park for the upcoming season and leaving on a free transfer in 2025 — a move that would undoubtedly unsettle Palace’s hierarchy. Losing a player of his calibre without compensation would be a significant blow, both sporting and financial.
For Newcastle, however, this development presents a golden opportunity. The club continues to monitor Guehi’s situation from a distance and could reignite their interest next summer — when they might not face the same financial constraints and would not have to negotiate with Palace for a fee.
Competition Heating Up
Despite Newcastle’s hopes, they are not alone in their admiration for Guehi. European powerhouses such as Liverpool, Barcelona, and Real Madrid have also been linked with the defender, adding pressure on Palace to make a decision soon. Eddie Howe remains eager to reinforce his defence, ideally this summer, but could be tempted to wait for a free transfer next year if no affordable deal emerges now.
Simon Jordan: Palace Must Cash In Now
Former Crystal Palace chairman Simon Jordan has urged the club to sell Guehi rather than risk losing him for nothing. Speaking on talkSPORT, Jordan said:
> “When you’re comparing it to Liverpool and iconic football clubs, it’s not a fair comparison. Palace can take players from Leicester now because Leicester are in the Championship. Leicester won the Premier League 10 years ago.
Does that mean Leicester are a less attractive club than Palace? It just means that at this moment in time, this club is more successful. But when Liverpool, the Premier League champions, come knocking on your door as a top footballer, you go ‘I’ll have a bit of that, thank you very much’.
Sell him, unless you can tie him down — you’re not going to tie him down, are you? Keep him and get nothing for him? That’s the choice.”
Jordan also pointed out that Palace already took a gamble last year by rejecting offers from Newcastle — a decision that could backfire now as the clock ticks toward Guehi’s contract expiry.
> “Palace took the roll of the dice last year, didn’t take Newcastle’s money — in so far as Newcastle really offered it. Now Palace is against the clock. So what do you get? You get nothing? And then you’ve got to go and buy a centre-back.”
> “So you might as well sell him. (Oliver) Glasner won’t be thrilled with that unless you can tie him down, but he’s not going to be tied down, is he?”
Final Decision Looms
Crystal Palace are now faced with a critical decision: either cash in on one of their most valuable assets this summer or risk watching him walk away for free in less than 12 months. Newcastle, meanwhile, are watching closely — knowing that a patient approach could ultimately secure them a Premier League-proven defender without the need for a record-breaking bid.