Crystal Palace ‘Preparing’ to Sign £17m Defender as Marc Guehi’s Replacement

Newcastle Gains Guehi Transfer Boost as Crystal Palace Steps Up Replacement Talks.
Marc Guehi, A Hot Commodity
Newcastle United is still in intensive talks with Crystal Palace about a major transfer for Marc Guehi. The Eagles rejected the Magpies’ original approach for the 24-year-old England international defender, but they are set to respond with a higher offer soon.

Guehi, who shined at Euro 2024, has piqued the interest of Newcastle manager Eddie Howe. With two years left on his current deal, Guehi’s future at Selhurst Park is under heavy examination.

Palace’s Replacement Plans.

Crystal Palace is not sitting idly by as transfer rumours swirl. They are prepared to further up their pursuit of Wolfsburg’s Maxence Lacroix as a possible replacement for Guehi. The 24-year-old Frenchman is entering the final year of his contract with the Bundesliga club, and there is speculation that he may seek a new challenge.

Peter Christiansen, Wolfsburg’s managing director, commented on Lacroix’s situation: “You must evaluate all possibilities. Without wishing to blame anyone, it is never ideal when a player enters the final year of his contract. But that’s the scenario; we’re talking to Maxence and would like to keep him. But the player and those around him have their own views and ideals. “And then we’ll see what happens.”

Transfer fees and negotiations

Lacroix is expected to be available for around £17 million (€20 million), but Wolfsburg wants to get the best possible deal to ensure they can suitably replace him. One of their main objectives is Liverpool’s Sepp van den Berg, who impressed on loan at Mainz last season. The 22-year-old Dutch defender is also garnering interest from PSV Eindhoven and Stuttgart.

Lacroix has apparently been in constant contact with Palace manager Oliver Glasner since last season. In May, he told German publication Westdeutsche Allgemeine Zeitung: “We spoke on the phone after the Liverpool FC-Crystal Palace game around two weeks ago. It’s not the time to discuss my future. All that counts to me right now is Wolfsburg. We have a mission: to stay in the league. And after this mission is over, we can go on vacation with a smile. “We can talk after the season.”

Chelsea’s Interest in Guehi’s Future

Another factor influencing Guehi’s prospective transfer is Chelsea’s interest. The Blues, who sold Guehi to Palace for £18 million in 2021, included a 20% sell-on provision in the agreement. This means they will benefit financially from any future transfers. Furthermore, Chelsea retains the right to match any bid Newcastle makes for the defender, which might complicate the Magpies’ pursuit.

Liverpool expressed interest in Guehi earlier this year but is yet to make an official offer.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis
Guehi’s Potential Move
Crystal Palace would suffer a big loss if Marc Guehi were to leave. His performances have been consistently outstanding, garnering him respect at both the club and international levels. However, the club’s proactive approach to identifying Maxence Lacroix as a replacement demonstrates strategic forethought.

Is Lacroix a suitable replacement?
Lacroix’s probable presence to Selhurst Park could be a wise decision. His age and Bundesliga experience make him a promising prospect to succeed Guehi. Furthermore, his familiarity with Oliver Glasner’s coaching methods may provide for a smoother adjustment if the transfer occurs.

Financial Implications:

The financial implications of this transaction are also significant. If Guehi comes to Newcastle, Chelsea would benefit significantly from the sell-on clause, potentially influencing transfer dynamics. Crystal Palace must negotiate cautiously to achieve the best possible conclusion, balancing current squad demands with long-term financial viability.

As the transfer season heats up, the story of Marc Guehi’s prospective move to Newcastle and Crystal Palace’s pursuit of Maxence Lacroix will be interesting to watch. Both clubs have a lot at stake, and the conclusion of these talks could determine their fortunes for the coming season.