Sky Sports reporter: Crystal Palace ‘reignite’ search for Marc Guehi replacement as primary target emerges

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Credit: Imago Sky Sports reporter: Crystal Palace ‘reignite’ search for Marc Guehi replacement as primary target emerges Tue 24 February 2026 16:42, UK Crystal Palace could finally find a replacement for Marc Guehi, but it is unlikely to be Sporting CP’s Ousmane Diomande.That is according to Sky Sports’ James Savundra (24 February), who revealed via X that Palace will reignite the search for Guehi‘s successor in the summer, but Diomande is expected to be out of reach.The 22-year-old only recently put pen to paper on a brand-new deal in Portugal, one that includes a £70million (€80million) release clause, pricing the Premier League side out of a move.Unsurprisingly, the centre-back position remains a priority for the Eagles, even with Oliver Glasner unlikely to be in charge, as options at the back run sparse.Read more: Crystal Palace were rejected on deadline day in their quest to sign Marc Guehi’s replacement.Why did Crystal Palace previously miss out on Ousmane Diomande?Last summer, it appeared that the Eagles were ready for Guehi’s departure, putting a deal in place to sign Diomande on a bargain deal, but a transfer ultimately fell through under the radar. MORE FOOTBALL INSIDER STORIES It is understood that valuation was an issue.

There was quite a big gulf between what they were offering and what Sporting wanted for their star centre-back.In addition to the price tag, the Portuguese giants were never wanting to let him go, especially not for a price below their valuation, hence his new contract at the Estadio Jose Alvalade.Glasner was never going to be able to keep hold of Guehi, however, with Man City coming knocking for his signature during the winter transfer window, and Palace wanting as big a fee as possible from him.Read more: Crystal Palace have made a final decision on Oliver Glasner’s future.Which centre-back stars will be out of contract in the summer?Palace should seriously consider the free agent route, with so many big names out of contract at the end of the 2025-26 campaign.Man City have shown no signs of handing John Stones a new contract, while rumours are swirling around Antonio Rudiger’s future at Real Madrid, and they’re just two of the biggest names.Half of the clubs in the Premier League are keeping tabs on Bournemouth’s Marcos Senesi, who has proven himself to be quite the defender since moving to England in 2022.Of course, Ibrahima Konate has yet to extend his contract at Anfield, but with Real Madrid being linked with the Frenchman, a move to Selhurst Park would be very unlikely in the summer.