Crystal Palace has turned down a fourth offer from Newcastle United for defender Marc Guehi.
The Athletic reported on Monday that Newcastle is contemplating other options following their unsuccessful third bid for Guehi.
The Tyneside club presented an enhanced offer for the 24-year-old defender, amounting to up to £65 million with add-ons. This proposal has been declined by Palace.
Earlier this week, Steve Parish, the chairman of Palace, mentioned that the club would require “superstar money” for them to consider selling Guehi, who was a standout player for England during the European Championship.
“We would like to retain him,” Parish told BBC Sport. “There is a price and a situation where we might take that step.”
He also added: “Realistically, he’s a homegrown talent, 24 years old and extremely gifted – so for someone to acquire him, it has to be a challenging offer for us. Currently, that isn’t the case.”
Oliver Glasner addressed Guehi’s future in his press conference prior to Palace’s Premier League match against Brentford on Saturday.
When asked if he anticipated Guehi staying at the club, the Palace head coach replied: “Marc trained with us today, and we had a conversation. There’s no new information. I’ll need to check my bank account to see if anything has come in, but it doesn’t appear that way. He is our player, our captain, and I have no further updates.”
Since joining from Chelsea for £18 million in the summer of 2021, Guehi has made a significant impression at Palace, playing 111 times over the last three seasons.
Last season, he was appointed vice-captain and featured in 29 matches, despite being sidelined for nearly three months due to a knee injury.
His excellent performances have earned him a consistent place in the England national team, and he started all but one of England’s matches during the European Championship, helping the team reach the final and missing only the quarter-finals because of suspension.
Meanwhile, Newcastle has bolstered their defense with the signing of Lloyd Kelly on a free transfer from Bournemouth, and Lewis Hall’s permanent transfer after his loan from Chelsea last season.
Additionally, Eddie Howe’s squad has welcomed William Osula from Sheffield United, Odysseas Vlachodimos from Nottingham Forest, and John Ruddy.
GO DEEPER
Why Marc Guehi is in demand: Breaks opposition lines, wins ground duels and leads
(Lars Baron/Getty Images)
Crystal Palace Rejects Newcastle’s Fourth Bid for Defender Marc Guehi
Overview of the Transfer Saga
In a dramatic turn of events, Crystal Palace has officially rejected Newcastle United’s fourth bid for their star defender, Marc Guehi. The ongoing negotiations have attracted significant attention from football fans and analysts alike, with debates swirling around the implications for both clubs. As the transfer window heats up, this news has raised questions about Guehi’s future and the strategies employed by both sides.
Details of the Bids
Newcastle United has been pursuing Marc Guehi vigorously, with their latest offer reported to be around £30 million. However, Crystal Palace has remained resolute, valuing their young centre-back at a higher price. Here’s a quick summary of the bids submitted by Newcastle:
| Bid Number | Amount (£) | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 20 million | Rejected |
| 2 | 25 million | Rejected |
| 3 | 28 million | Rejected |
| 4 | 30 million | Rejected |
Marc Guehi: A Rising Star
Marc Guehi, who joined Crystal Palace from Chelsea in July 2021, has quickly established himself as one of the premier young defenders in the Premier League. Here are some key points highlighting his career:
– **Age**: 22 years old
– **Position**: Centre-back
– **Previous Clubs**: Chelsea, Swansea City (loan)
- **International Experience**: Represented England at various youth levels and made his senior debut in 2021.
Defensive Strengths
Guehi has gained recognition for his impressive defensive skills, including:
– **Aerial Ability**: He excels in winning headers, both defensively and offensively.
– **Tackling**: Known for his clean tackles, Guehi seldom gives away fouls.
– **Ball-Playing Capabilities**: He is comfortable in possession, often initiating attacks from the back.
Why Crystal Palace Is Holding Out
Crystal Palace’s decision to reject Newcastle’s bids for Guehi can be attributed to several factors:
– **Long-Term Vision**: The club views Guehi as a foundational player in their defensive lineup, crucial for their plans going forward.
– **Market Value**: With the inflated transfer market, Palace is likely seeking a fee that reflects Guehi’s true market value.
– **Fan Engagement**: Keeping a talented homegrown player like Guehi can enhance fan loyalty and engagement.
Newcastle United’s Transfer Strategy
Under the management of Eddie Howe, Newcastle United has been on a mission to bolster their squad with young and dynamic players. Their interest in Guehi aligns with this strategy for several reasons:
– **Building for the Future**: Guehi fits the profile of a young player who can grow with the club.
– **Defensive Reinforcements**: After struggling defensively in the previous season, Newcastle is keen to solidify their backline.
– **Squad Depth**: Adding a player of Guehi’s caliber would provide much-needed depth, especially with the demands of European football.
What’s Next for Newcastle?
With the rejection of their latest bid for Marc Guehi, Newcastle United must consider their next steps in the transfer market. Options may include:
– **Alternative Targets**: Exploring other centre-back options should Guehi remain unavailable.
– **Revisiting the Negotiation**: Newcastle might choose to return with an improved offer, although it remains to be seen if Palace would budge.
– **Focus on Existing Players**: Howell may turn his attention to improving the current defensive squad through coaching and tactics.
Insights from Experts
Experts in the football community have weighed in on this ongoing saga. Here are a few insights:
– **Transfer Analyst Insights**: Many analysts believe that Guehi’s current form and potential make him worth the investment for any club looking to strengthen their defense.
– **Club Management Perspectives**: Some club insiders suggest that Crystal Palace’s firm stance is commendable, indicating a commitment to developing their young talents rather than merely cashing in.
Practical Tips for Fans
For fans eager to stay updated on this transfer story, here are some practical tips:
– **Social Media**: Follow both clubs and reputable sports journalists on platforms like Twitter for real-time updates.
– **Fan Forums**: Engage in discussions on fan forums to get diverse opinions and insights on Guehi’s potential transfer.
– **Analysis Videos**: Watch YouTube channels that provide in-depth analysis of player performances, particularly on Guehi’s game.
Conclusion
While the latest news surrounding Crystal Palace’s rejection of Newcastle’s fourth bid for Marc Guehi raises several questions, it also highlights the complexities of modern football transfers. The stakes are high for both clubs as they navigate this critical phase in the transfer window. Whether Guehi remains at Palace or eventually makes the switch to Newcastle, one thing is clear: the interest in his talent is undeniable, reflecting the growing demand for young, skilled defenders in today’s football landscape.
