Report: Newcastle Prepare £40m Bid in Renewed Pursuit of Crystal Palace Defender Marc Guehi
Newcastle United are preparing a fresh move for Crystal Palace centre-back Marc Guehi, reigniting interest in a player they came close to signing just a year ago. According to The Times, the Magpies are now ready to submit a £40 million offer for the England international as they seek to bolster their defensive options ahead of the 2025/26 Premier League season.
Last summer, Newcastle held advanced negotiations over a possible £60 million deal for the 25-year-old, but Palace were firm in their stance, valuing their club captain at a staggering £70 million. The South London club ultimately succeeded in keeping hold of Guehi for another season — one that proved fruitful, as the defender led the Eagles to a historic FA Cup triumph at Wembley.
Despite those accomplishments, the situation has shifted. Guehi is entering the final year of his current contract, and multiple top-flight clubs — including Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur — are circling. Crystal Palace are reportedly now open to selling for £50 million, with their negotiating position weakened by the risk of losing him on a free transfer next summer. Nevertheless, Liverpool, while admirers of the player, are said to be unwilling to meet that valuation under current circumstances.
Newcastle, meanwhile, are willing to bide their time. Manager Eddie Howe and the club’s recruitment team are prepared to wait until later in the window to make their move, hoping that Palace may be forced to lower their asking price. Their current bid is expected to be around £40 million — a figure still short of Palace’s valuation but one that reflects the diminishing leverage of the London club.
Guehi, who joined Crystal Palace from Chelsea in 2021 for a reported £18 million, has since become a cornerstone of the team. In four years at Selhurst Park, he has amassed 155 appearances across all competitions and was handed the captain’s armband for their victorious FA Cup run. His leadership, defensive consistency, and ability to play out from the back have attracted interest from clubs both at home and abroad. Bayern Munich and Barcelona are among those reportedly monitoring him as a potential free transfer option in 2026.
The defender’s contract situation is now a key factor. Reports earlier this summer from talkSPORT suggested that Guehi is prepared to see out his deal and leave Palace on a free transfer next summer — a stance that puts pressure on the club to either agree a contract extension or cash in while they still can.
Former Crystal Palace chairman Simon Jordan weighed in on the matter during a talkSPORT broadcast in June, urging the club to take a pragmatic approach. “Sell him!” Jordan said emphatically. “Unless you can tie him down — which clearly isn’t going to happen — you’re better off taking the money now. Otherwise, you end up with nothing and still need to go out and sign a replacement.”
The potential addition of Guehi would represent a significant boost for Newcastle’s defensive ranks and signal a shift in their fortunes after a frustrating transfer window so far. The Magpies have seen several targets opt for moves elsewhere, including Bryan Mbeumo, Joao Pedro, Hugo Ekitike, and Liam Delap.
Newcastle’s most notable moves this summer include the £55 million acquisition of Anthony Elanga from Nottingham Forest and the loan signing of Aaron Ramsdale from Southampton. However, uncertainty continues to surround the future of star striker Alexander Isak. The club recently turned down a jaw-dropping £110 million bid from Liverpool for the Swedish forward, but speculation remains over whether they can keep hold of him.
Should Isak stay and Guehi arrive, Newcastle could consider themselves serious contenders once again in both domestic and European competitions. Guehi’s composure, Premier League experience, and leadership qualities would be a perfect complement to their backline and provide Eddie Howe with the defensive stability required to challenge on multiple fronts.
As the summer transfer window progresses, all eyes will be on Palace’s next move. If they stand firm, they risk losing a prized asset for nothing next summer. But if Newcastle up their bid or other suitors intensify their interest, a deal could yet be struck — one that may reshape both clubs’ fortunes heading into the new campaign.