Crystal Palace Captain Marc Guehi to Depart Next Year
Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi has officially indicated that he will not renew his contract with the club and plans to leave next year. Head coach Oliver Glasner confirmed this development, stating that Guehi, whose current deal expires on June 30, 2026, has expressed his desire for a change. This opens the possibility for Guehi to sign a pre-contract agreement with a foreign club starting on January 1, 2026.
Glasner addressed the situation during a press conference, noting, “I think Marc has already told us that he doesn’t sign a new contract, so he will leave next year. The club wanted him to stay and offered him a new contract, but he said, ‘no, I want to make something different.’ And that’s normal.” The coach emphasized the need for the club to manage this transition effectively.
Earlier this year, Guehi was on the verge of joining Liverpool in a £35 million deal on Deadline Day. However, Palace chairman Steve Parish halted the transfer three hours before the deadline, citing the inability to secure a replacement player.
As Guehi prepares for his exit, there are indications that Liverpool may attempt to renew their interest in January, particularly after defender Giovanni Leoni was ruled out for the remainder of the season due to a long-term knee injury. Nevertheless, Palace is unlikely to allow Guehi to depart at a reduced price during the winter transfer window.
Interest in Guehi is not limited to the Premier League. Major clubs across Europe, including Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Bayern Munich, are monitoring the situation closely, with Guehi expected to be one of the most sought-after free agents when he leaves Palace.
Future Prospects for Guehi
The decision on Guehi’s next destination is pivotal, as virtually every top club in Europe is keen to secure his signature. Reports indicate that he is not primarily driven by financial incentives; rather, he aims to compete at the highest level, including the prestigious Champions League.
Real Madrid is reportedly in the market for a centre-back and has identified Guehi as a potential target, particularly following William Saliba‘s recent contract renewal with Arsenal. Madrid’s interest could intensify, especially if they view Guehi as a more viable option than Liverpool’s Ibrahima Konate, who is also a contender.
Sky Sports News’ Kaveh Solhekol remarked, “If I had to put money on it, I would say he’s going to end up next summer playing for Real Madrid or Barcelona.” He noted that these clubs have the advantage of being able to negotiate a pre-contract agreement with Guehi in January, unlike Premier League teams.
As Guehi’s departure looms, it raises questions about the club’s strategy moving forward. With his exit, Palace must consider not only how to replace Guehi on the pitch but also how to maintain momentum in their overall performance.
Glasner’s Future at Crystal Palace
Guehi is not the only significant figure at Crystal Palace facing an uncertain future. Head coach Oliver Glasner is also in the final year of his contract. Recent discussions between Glasner and Parish indicate a mutual interest in extending his tenure. Glasner stated, “We are talking almost every day, and it’s not that I need conditions or I want something. Crystal Palace wants to be successful, so Crystal Palace wants to continue this pathway.”
The head coach highlighted the need for a shared vision between leadership and the club’s ambitions. He insisted that aligning goals is essential for success, stating, “If two leaders have different visions, then you go separate ways and then you can’t achieve your goal.”
As Crystal Palace navigates this transitional period, the outcomes for both Guehi and Glasner will significantly impact the club’s future directions. The coming months promise to be pivotal for Palace as they prepare for the next chapter in their journey.
