Chelsea Have To Pay A Premium To Sign 24-Year-Old Defender: Should The Blues Pay Such A High Fee? | OneFootball

Marc Guehi is a name that continues to resonate in the corridors of Stamford Bridge. His previous spell at the club was not a noisy one, but it was significant in his development. Since leaving in 2021, he has grown consistently, leaving behind the secondary role he had at Chelsea.

Now, after an impressive season in which he helped Crystal Palace lift the FA Cup and qualify for Europe, his profile has changed completely. The situation has generated immediate attention from several English giants. At the centre of this story is Chelsea, who are contemplating a possible return.

Chelsea Have To Pay A Premium To Sign Marc Guehi

Graeme Bailey of TBR Football has reported that Chelsea, along with Arsenal, Liverpool, and Newcastle United, are interested in signing the English defender in the summer transfer window. However, Palace are not willing to let one of their most important players leave for a cheap price. The 24-year-old has already entered the final years of his contract, but Palace are still holding firm.

Bailey was clear in quoting sources close to the player: “There are no favourites. Palace want him to stay. And if anyone goes to Selhurst Park looking for bargains, they will leave empty-handed.” Steve Parish, the club’s chairman, is demanding a fee commensurate with the value Guehi represents today.

Opinion:

From Chelsea’s perspective, the debate over whether they should pay such a premium is inevitable. The club already have quality young options in the centre of defence, but the arrival of Enzo Maresca introduces a new dynamic.

The 24-year-old Englishman, who knows the environment of the club, could adapt quickly, even without having shone in his first spell. It would not be a high-risk signing, but it would be an expensive one. Does that justify his return? Only if the coach considers him fundamental to his system.

The financial context also comes into play. With the pressure of Financial Fair Play and massive spending in previous windows, Chelsea must measure every investment. Despite his talent and international experience, paying an inflated price for a player they once let out for free may seem counterintuitive.

Instead of focusing on the past, it may be better to explore other, cheaper profiles with room for development. However, if Maresca is committed to a defence that plays high and presses, Guehi would fit the bill like a glove. The key lies in the conviction of the coaching staff and not getting carried away by nostalgia.