Report: Newcastle Suffer Major Deadline Day Blow with Club to Miss Out on ‘Superstar’ | OneFootball

Newcastle’s Pursuit of Marc Guehi: A Stalemate that Signals Bigger Questions

Newcastle United’s determined chase for England international Marc Guehi appears to have reached an impasse. After weeks of negotiations and several escalating offers, Crystal Palace has stood firm on their valuation of the defender, leading Newcastle to consider walking away from their primary target.

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Stubborn Stand by Palace

Crystal Palace’s reluctance to part with their captain, despite Newcastle’s club-record bid of £65 million plus £5 million in add-ons, underscores the value they place on the 24-year-old. Palace chairman Steve Parish has referred to Guehi as a “superstar,” a label that highlights not just his on-field abilities but also his significance to the club’s broader ambitions.

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With Guehi playing a pivotal role in England’s run to the Euro 2024 final, it’s clear why Palace are keen to hold on to him. Yet, Newcastle’s persistence has been noteworthy. Their willingness to push their financial boundaries indicates just how central Guehi was to Eddie Howe’s plans for bolstering the squad’s defensive capabilities.

Newcastle’s Growing Frustration

However, the Magpies’ patience seems to have worn thin. The drawn-out nature of the negotiations, coupled with Palace’s unwavering stance, has left Newcastle contemplating their next move. “With time running out in the transfer window, Newcastle are set to walk away without their No 1 target,” as reported by Sky Sports. The question now is whether they will pivot to another target or face the season with the defensive options currently at their disposal.

Palace’s Tactical Reinforcement

While Palace have managed to retain Guehi, they have also made moves to ensure their defensive solidity. The imminent arrival of Maxence Lacroix from Wolfsburg for £21 million, as a replacement for the departed Joachim Andersen, signals their intent to reinforce their backline. Lacroix, a 24-year-old Frenchman, is expected to step into a significant role at Selhurst Park.

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The club has made great strides in recent seasons, both on and off the pitch, and landing a top-tier defender like Marc Guehi seemed like the logical next step. Eddie Howe’s interest in Guehi was clearly more than just a passing fancy; it was about addressing a real need in the backline.

The decision to walk away, while understandable given Palace’s stubbornness, feels like a missed opportunity. We’ve seen what Guehi can do – he was immense for England at Euro 2024. His ability to read the game, his composure under pressure, and his leadership qualities were exactly what Newcastle needed to take the next step. The disappointment is palpable because the club went all in with a £70 million package, only to be stonewalled.

Photo: IMAGO

What’s particularly disheartening is the lack of a clear alternative. If Guehi was Plan A, then what’s Plan B? The clock is ticking, and the transfer window won’t stay open forever. For a club with ambitions of breaking into the top echelons of English football, this feels like a setback that could have been avoided with more decisive action earlier in the window. It leaves us wondering whether the club’s decision-makers are truly equipped to handle the high stakes of top-level negotiations.