Marc Guehi might prove to be one that got away for Newcastle

Add as preferred source on Google

Newcastle United are giving themselves a great chance of sealing Premier League survival.

It’s eight games unbeaten now for the Magpies, and Eddie Howe has completely changed the picture at St. James’ Park.

There is a lot of football still to be played.

But Newcastle have some seriously momentum, and many players in the squad look totally rejuvenated.

It’s brilliant to see the improvement, which has obviously been aided by the arrival of a few new faces in January.

This new solidity in defence is really helping to give Newcastle a chance to pick up crucial points.

That has been one of the biggest changes since Howe came in.

Under Steve Bruce, Newcastle leaked goals left, right and centre.

Last summer, Newcastle didn’t make any new defensive additions when there was a clear need to strengthen.

And there is one player the Magpies were linked with who is now thriving.

Marc Guehi has become an important figure for Crystal Palace, and really impressed last weekend with his display against Wolves.

He did so well, he actually caught the eye of Alan Shearer, who included him in his latest Team of the Week and said: “A solid performance from the young centre-back. Wolves’ talented attack were kept very quiet.”

That was his 27th league appearances of the season – the only game he missed was the 3-0 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur back in November.

Interestingly, Guehi has actually sported the captain’s armband three times recently for the Eagles. That suggests him as being a real leader already at the age of 21.

Newcastle could have some regrets over Marc Guehi

Newcastle were supposedly among the clubs interested in Guehi last year.

In the end, he joined Palace from Chelsea for a reported £18 million (Guardian). That is looking like an absolute steal, and whoever negotiated that deal deserves huge praise.

Who knows how different Newcastle’s season could have been with him in the backline from the very start.

He looks extremely accomplished for one still so young, and is going to end up a very valuable asset for Palace.

Who knows if Newcastle ever really got close to signing Guehi. But it’s very possible he might just be one that got away if there was some genuine interest.