Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi has officially communicated his intention to leave the club next year, as confirmed by head coach Oliver Glasner. The England international, whose current contract expires on June 30, 2026, has opted against signing a new deal, paving the way for a potential free transfer. This decision allows Guehi the opportunity to negotiate a pre-contract agreement with foreign clubs starting from the opening of the January transfer window.
During a press conference on Friday, Glasner stated, “I think Marc has already told us that he doesn’t want to sign a new contract, so he will leave next year.” He added that the club had made efforts to retain Guehi but respected his desire for a new challenge. Glasner emphasized the importance of collaboration in navigating this situation, stating, “And that’s all about how we are talking together.”
Earlier this year, Guehi was close to joining Liverpool on Deadline Day in a proposed deal worth £35 million. However, Palace chairman Steve Parish decided to withdraw from the agreement just hours before the transfer deadline, citing the inability to secure a replacement for Guehi as the key factor in the decision.
As the January window approaches, there remains speculation over potential interest from Liverpool, particularly given the recent injury to defender Giovanni Leoni, which is set to sideline him for the remainder of the season. Nevertheless, Crystal Palace is unlikely to let Guehi leave for a reduced fee during the winter window, given the anticipated demand for his services.
The prospect of Guehi becoming a high-profile free agent has attracted attention from several top European clubs, including Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Bayern Munich. These clubs are poised to compete for his signature when he becomes available next summer.
Sky Sports News reporter Kaveh Solhekol noted, “Virtually every big club in Europe wants to sign him next summer.” He highlighted Guehi’s commitment to Crystal Palace but acknowledged the player’s ambitions to compete at the highest level, including participating in the UEFA Champions League.
Real Madrid is expected to be in the market for a centre-back next summer, particularly after missing out on one of their targets, William Saliba, who recently signed a new contract with Arsenal. This development may lead Madrid to prioritize signing either Guehi or Liverpool’s Ibrahima Konate, both of whom could be available on free transfers.
While the focus has been on Guehi’s future, Glasner’s own contract situation remains uncertain. The Crystal Palace head coach is also in the final year of his deal, prompting the club to accelerate discussions regarding a contract extension. Glasner revealed, “We are talking almost every day,” referring to his ongoing discussions with Parish about the club’s ambitions and future direction.
The relationship between Glasner and Parish is critical for the club’s success. Glasner remarked on the need for shared goals, stating, “Working together and having a relationship makes sense if you have the same goals, if you have the same vision. Otherwise, you can’t be successful.”
As Crystal Palace prepares for the upcoming season, the club faces significant decisions regarding player retention and management continuity. With Guehi’s exit on the horizon and discussions about Glasner’s future underway, the next few months will be crucial in shaping the club’s path forward.
