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Glasner draws line over Guehi as Crystal Palace resist late upheaval

Contract uncertainty meets managerial clarity

For all the talk of outgoings this summer, Crystal Palace have reached the end of the window with their most important player still at Selhurst Park. Marc Guehi’s future has been cast as a subplot throughout pre-season, his contract running into its final year and his reputation only growing. Yet Oliver Glasner has effectively declared the matter closed: Guehi stays.

The Austrian was not vague in his language. “From my side, he has to [still be a Crystal Palace player] because it’s not possible at the moment to find a Marc Guehi replacement who can play straight in the Premier League, being a starter, being consistent,” he said.

Defence as a foundation

That response goes beyond managerial preference. It is rooted in the reality of where Palace’s recent progress has come from. Glasner has built around defensive security, and in Guehi he has a leader who brings more than positional awareness or aerial dominance. “When we see our foundation of success in the last few months, it’s our defence… Marc is a crucial part,” Glasner explained.

Palace’s rhythm over the spring carried hints of something more ambitious than survival football. That is why Glasner is adamant that letting go of a cornerstone now would be reckless. “Getting the right replacement in now is almost impossible,” he added.

Signals of commitment

In some respects, Guehi’s own behaviour has removed the drama. Where others in his position might have angled for a move, he has instead reinforced Glasner’s conviction. “He shows in every game that he’s focused. If Marc had said ‘I want to leave Crystal Palace’, it would already have happened weeks ago. Marc is fully committed to the team, he shows it every third day at the moment… it is my point of view that we need to keep Marc.”

Photo: IMAGO

It is not often a player of Guehi’s standing manages to steady the narrative in such fashion. The attention has been constant, the speculation inevitable. Yet his performances have spoken to a deeper loyalty — or perhaps just professionalism — that underlines Glasner’s case.

What comes next

Crystal Palace may yet face this question again in January, or next summer if a new deal is not agreed. But for Glasner, the present matters more. In forcing a resolution now, he has safeguarded the core of his side and, symbolically, sent a message about where the club wants to position itself. Too often Palace have been forced into a reactive role. Glasner, at least, is intent on resisting that drift.