Crystal Palace are facing a significant challenge as Marc Guehi, their captain and key defender, has made a decision that could result in the club losing him without a transfer fee. Liverpool have shown strong interest in signing Guehi, who has only a year left on his contract, expiring in June 2026. Negotiations between the two clubs have stalled due to a gap in valuation, with Palace holding out for a substantial fee while Liverpool prefer not to overpay, knowing they could sign Guehi on a free transfer next summer.

Guehi, 25, moved to Crystal Palace from Chelsea in 2021 for £18 million and has impressed with eight goals and four assists in 156 appearances. Despite Liverpool's attempts to secure him during the current transfer window, no agreement has been reached so far. Palace chairman Steve Parish has acknowledged the possibility of having to sell Guehi or risk losing him for free, highlighting the club’s predicament with players nearing contract expiry.

Liverpool remain the favorites to sign Guehi, but only if a deal is financially viable. Meanwhile, Guehi himself is content to stay at Palace and compete in European competitions. Palace's European hopes have been complicated by their demotion from the Europa League to the Conference League due to off-field ownership issues, perhaps influencing the player’s decision-making.

The situation is further complicated as Palace also face pressure to keep or sell other key players, such as Eberechi Eze, who is attracting Premier League interest but has yet to meet Palace's £68 million valuation. Liverpool are simultaneously pursuing other defensive reinforcements, including young centre-back Giovanni Leoni from Parma for £26 million, while managing contracts like that of Ibrahima Konate.

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In sum, Crystal Palace must decide between securing a transfer fee now or risking losing Guehi for free next summer, with Liverpool poised to capitalize on the player's contract situation. Discussions are ongoing, and a swap deal involving Liverpool’s youngster Elliott has also been suggested as part of the negotiations.


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