Report: Palace risk losing Guehi for less as Liverpool circle | OneFootball

Guehi contract stand-off offers Liverpool transfer opening

Crystal Palace’s summer of triumph has swiftly turned into one of uncertainty, with off-field distractions casting a shadow over their preparations for the 2025/26 campaign. From the boardroom to the training pitch, the South London club find themselves at a crossroads.

A Europa League spot secured via FA Cup success should have been a platform for progress. Instead, the dispute over their European status, ongoing takeover developments and key player contract dilemmas have left Palace navigating through a delicate period of transition.

At the heart of this is Marc Guehi, a player of increasing relevance to Liverpool’s summer recruitment strategy.

European place under legal scrutiny

Palace’s Europa League status remains in question due to a legal dispute scheduled to be resolved by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) on 8 August. The case will be heard privately, with a verdict expected three days later. The outcome could determine whether Palace compete in the Europa League or drop into the Europa Conference League.

This ongoing uncertainty has complicated summer plans. American businessman Woody Johnson’s move to acquire shares from former co-owner John Textor is still progressing, with wider implications for the club’s financial flexibility in the transfer market.

Guehi contract saga leaves Palace exposed

Marc Guehi, captain and central figure in Palace’s defence, has entered the final year of his contract. His reluctance to extend terms leaves Palace vulnerable to a free transfer exit in 2026—a scenario they are determined to avoid.

The club previously rejected an offer in the region of £65m from Newcastle in 2024. Now, they risk losing Guehi for significantly less, with their valuation currently closer to £40m.

Liverpool are monitoring developments closely. While the Merseyside club have maintained a discreet approach, they are prepared to act should Palace lower their asking price. Liverpool’s transfer stance is shaped by their long-term defensive planning, and they are unwilling to enter a protracted negotiation unless they believe a deal represents genuine value.

Other Premier League sides—including Tottenham, Chelsea and Newcastle—retain interest, but none have moved decisively. That leaves Liverpool well-placed should they choose to accelerate talks.

Squad rebuilding slower than hoped

Palace’s summer recruitment to date has been modest. One free-transfer goalkeeper and a £3m left-back signing represent the total business so far, and manager Oliver Glasner has voiced public frustration about the lack of activity.

Glasner himself is entering the final year of his contract, while the club are yet to appoint a new full-time sporting director following Dougie Freedman’s departure. That vacuum in strategic leadership adds further complexity as the club wrestle with key decisions.

With key players unsettled and squad reinforcements thin, the spotlight is firmly on Palace’s next steps.

Guehi holds cards as Palace weigh options

For Guehi, time and market conditions offer leverage. The 24-year-old knows he can command a larger signing-on fee and salary if he moves as a free agent in 2026. But interest from a club like Liverpool may prove too compelling to ignore—especially with the promise of Champions League football and a major role in their long-term plans.

Palace must now decide whether to cash in while they can or gamble on persuading Guehi to commit his future.

A critical few weeks lie ahead—not just for Crystal Palace’s European aspirations, but for their defensive spine as well.