The latest bid from Newcastle, totaling £60m, for Marc Guehi has been declined by Crystal Palace. The offer reportedly consisted of £55m up front and an additional £5m in add-ons. Despite this setback, negotiations between the two clubs are ongoing. However, Newcastle is exploring alternative options should an agreement fail to materialize.
Eddie Howe, the manager of Newcastle, has consistently identified the England international as his primary target for the center-back position. The Magpies presented their £60m proposal over the weekend, but Crystal Palace values Guehi at £65m. In response to the bid, Palace chairman Steve Parish emphasized the need for Newcastle to pay a premium price for a player of Guehi’s caliber, asserting that acquiring a “superstar player” requires an equivalent financial commitment.
Parish expressed his belief in Guehi’s exceptional talent, characterizing him as a “generational talent” and emphasizing the club’s determination to retain him, particularly with the approaching closure of the transfer window on August 30. Despite this stance, Newcastle appears undeterred by the comments from Palace’s chairman.
Meanwhile, Marc Guehi has conveyed his focus on his immediate responsibilities at Selhurst Park, disregarding the ongoing speculation surrounding his future amid interest from Newcastle. As the situation unfolds, it’s evident that Guehi’s remaining contract length is a pivotal factor in the discussions between Palace and Newcastle. With 18 months remaining before he can engage in pre-contract negotiations with foreign teams and two years before he could potentially leave on a free transfer, the negotiations carry significant weight for both clubs.
Asked whether he can put the attention to one side ahead of Palace’s game on Sunday, Guehi told Sky Sports News: “I can, I’ve been doing it my whole life really. I’ve never really been one to be looking too much into myself, if that makes sense.
“But I think it’s always important to focus on what truly is important, and that’s the game at the weekend, making sure that for the rest of the season as a team we’re at it.”
Guehi said of Parish’s “superstar” comments: “Humbled, humbled by that. For someone that is such a big part of this football club, for him to say something like that is amazing, for someone like me.
“I’m not sure I’m a superstar, but some really kind words from the chairman, so it’s really nice to hear that.”
Asked whether he is happy and enjoying life, he responded: “I am. Honestly, it’s good to be back here, it’s good to be back playing again amongst team-mates.
“A nice little run-out in front of the fans again [started last Sunday’s 1-1 pre-season home draw against Nantes], so yeah, all positive at the moment.”
He added: “I think there’s a real culture of togetherness here, and that is from everyone, from the academy, the women’s [team] and the men’s [team] as well. Everyone’s really on the same page, a real family.
“Very cliche to say, but honestly it’s just an amazing place to be at.”
Despite the ongoing buzz about his long-term future, Guehi has expressed contentment with his current situation at Crystal Palace. This sentiment comes at a time when the talented defender played a crucial role in England’s journey to the Euro 2024 final, further enhancing his value and attracting interest from clubs like Newcastle.
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