Report: Chelsea Eye Return for Defender as Palace Face January Dilemma | OneFootball

Chelsea Poised for January Move to Re-Sign Marc Guehi

Chelsea’s pursuit of former academy graduate Marc Guehi has gained momentum as the January transfer window approaches. The Crystal Palace captain is a key target for the Blues, who are looking to bolster their central defensive options. Reports from TeamTalk indicate that Chelsea hold a significant advantage due to contractual clauses and Guehi’s strong connection to the club.

Chelsea’s Strategic Edge in Guehi Negotiations

Chelsea’s position in the race to re-sign Guehi is strengthened by a 20% sell-on clause and a first-refusal agreement embedded in the original deal when the centre-back moved to Crystal Palace. Sources suggest these clauses could play a pivotal role, giving Chelsea the ability to match any offers made by other clubs, including Newcastle, who remain keen on securing the England international.

Guehi, 24, has reportedly maintained a deep affection for Chelsea, where he spent his formative years as part of the Cobham academy. His relationships with several current Chelsea players further enhance the club’s chances of luring him back to Stamford Bridge.

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While Crystal Palace initially demanded close to £90 million for Guehi during the summer, it is understood that a deal could be struck for a lower fee in January. With Palace struggling near the relegation zone, they may face increasing pressure to offload their captain, who has yet to sign an improved contract set to expire in 2026.

Key Factors Behind Guehi’s Interest in Chelsea Return

Sources close to Guehi suggest he is open to a move back to Chelsea, despite interest from other clubs. The allure of returning to a club where he has strong personal and professional ties could tip the balance in Chelsea’s favour. The Blues’ current defensive needs also align perfectly with Guehi’s skill set, offering him an opportunity to compete at the highest level once more.

Palace, for their part, are determined to retain their captain and have offered him lucrative terms to remain at Selhurst Park. However, with no agreement yet reached, January may be the perfect time for Chelsea to act.

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Here’s a defender who embodies everything Chelsea stands for: talent nurtured in-house, proven ability in the Premier League, and a hunger to succeed at the top level. His experience at Palace has clearly shaped him into a leader, and his return would add much-needed stability to Chelsea’s defensive line.

What makes this potential move even more appealing is the strategic foresight Chelsea showed in including those clauses in his original transfer. It’s rare in modern football to see a club so perfectly positioned to reclaim a homegrown talent without breaking the bank.

Guehi’s relationships with players like Reece James and Conor Gallagher could also help him settle quickly into a squad that’s still finding its rhythm. With injuries and inconsistency plaguing Chelsea’s backline, bringing in someone who knows the culture of the club and has the talent to perform immediately feels like a no-brainer.

Palace fans will undoubtedly lament his departure, but this is a move that feels right for Guehi, for Chelsea, and for the trajectory of his career. For Blues supporters, January cannot come soon enough.