Marc Guehi state of play: Newcastle United rivals hold trump card in transfer tug-of-war

The Marc Guehi saga was draining for all parties involved. Initially, Newcastle United supporters went into overdrive on social media when news broke about seismic £50million offers.

Were the Magpies about to sign one of England’s star players from a Euro 2024 campaign that saw them reach the final? Not quite. As it happened, Newcastle were left with egg on their faces.

Like that one drunk bloke on the dancefloor at the end of the night, United were left ruing their approach, wondering where they went wrong and, ultimately, leaving the window empty-handed. But could a deal be resurrected? Here is the current state of play on the 24-year-old’s future.

NewcastleWorld: Essential is our weekly newsletter, delivering the city’s best bits to you inbox - sign up here

Background

The deal ultimately fell flat, with Palace aiming to capitalise on his Euro heroics by slapping an unreasonable £75million price tag on the defender’s head. Eagles chairman, Steve Parish, called this “superstar money”, a term that became a symbol of jest among Toon quarters.

Guehi’s performances nosedived and it took him a while to settle into the season. However, the centre-back has since recovered, with Palace sitting five points above the relegation zone.

Newcastle are still in the market for a centre-back but were dismayed by Palace’s previous demands. Sources tell NewcastleWorld that reports at the time claiming the Magpies bid up to £65million were wide of the mark.

Sign of optimism?

Guehi’s contract situation is possibly the biggest green light on the deal. He is understood to be “calm and relaxed” about his future - but Palace are unlikely to share that sentiment.

In the summer, the England international will have one year left on his current deal, allowing Newcastle to snap him up for a figure closer to their original valuation. Palace will not want to lose him for nothing in 2026.

Rival interest

Reports have suggested Liverpool would be Guehi’s preferred destination. And who can blame him, given their relentless run in the Premier League and Champions League?

The Reds are possibly a centre-back light and, with Virgil van Dijk’s contract situation up in the air, who could blame them for a prudent approach? Chelsea, his former club, are also expressing interest.

A trump card for the Blues is the 20 per cent sell-on clause inserted into his exit. Coupled with Guehi’s precarious contract situation, this gives the Stamford Bridge hierarchy the upper hand in negotiations.

Likelihood of a deal happening?

This month? Unlikely. Eddie Howe has previously hinted at exits being needed before incoming.

The FFP/PSR landscape remains tight but Newcastle can look forward to greener pastures in the summer when the final Mike Ashley year drops off the three-year cycle. Toon chiefs are also wary of Guehi’s contract, a situation they can manoeuvre to their advantage.

Why go all-in this month when he could be available for a bargain in June? Paul Mitchell has also spoken of drafting up alternative options - without the “English tax” placed on their head.

Unless a monumental shift takes place, like Guehi slapping in a transfer request and demanding an imminent move, this one could rumble on until the summer. Qualifying for Europe would swing the pendulum in Newcastle’s favour.