It suddenly does not look like Newcastle United will be signing Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace.
The Magpies have been chasing Marc Guehi since the start of August, and the hope was that a deal would have been done by now.
However, it has developed into a saga, and one that now looks set to end with Guehi staying at Selhurst Park.
Crystal Palace now want £75million for Marc Guehi, which is £5million more than what Newcastle have offered. Newcastle are now set to walk away from the Guehi deal, with just over 24 hours to go before the transfer window closes.
It is a dramatic twist at the worst possible time, as fans nervously wait to see what Newcastle United do next.
Newcastle will continue to look for deals on deadline day, but are not going to panic buy.
Don Hutchison makes Newcastle top four prediction after Marc Guehi development
It currently does not look like Newcastle United will sign anyone before the transfer window closes at 11pm on Friday.
That would represent a really disappointing summer, and the Telegraph’s Luke Edwards has stated on X that it should result in the Magpies lowering their expectations for the 2024/25 Premier League season.
Newcastle have got four points from their opening two games, and are hoping to challenge for a place in the top four. Alan Shearer has backed Newcastle to return to the Champions League – but only if they sign Guehi.
That does not look like it will be happening, resulting in Edwards writing on X: “As things stand the Newcastle squad is weaker now than it was in May. All this talk of getting back into Europe again when every single club they finished behind – and above – last season has strengthened this summer is starting to look a little deluded and entitled.”
This prompted a reply from pundit and Newcastle United fan Don Hutchison, who still thinks that Eddie Howe’s side have enough quality to finish in the top four.
He wrote: “Can’t agree with “entitled” Newcastle fans have never been “entitled” mate. I firmly believe IF everyone stays fit and no Europe at all this season, there is no reason why they @NUFC can’t challenge for top 4.”
Newcastle United have stood still while others have strengthened
Given the fact that Newcastle have a lot of key players back from injury and suspension, it is understandable that there has been a clamour for the Magpies to challenge for a place in the top four.
The lack of European football should play into the Magpies’ hands, while Sandro Tonali impressed Newcastle fans on his return and is like a new signing.
But Newcastle need actual new signings, especially given how much their rivals have improved. There is going to be so much competition to get into the top four, whereas Newcastle have stood still.
The squad has not really improved. Lloyd Kelly is a decent addition in defence, while Will Osula provides extra cover in attack. But Newcastle now look set to have a right-back as Fabian Schar’s main cover, while the top priority of a right winger is not going to arrive.
That is a major concern, and the Newcastle hierarchy will come under pressure from fans to provide some answers as to what has gone on this summer.
Newcastle are unbeaten in their first three games this season, but have been far from convincing. Their performances have shown that reinforcements are required, but it does not look like they will arrive.
While it would be great if Don Hutchison’s prediction proves to be correct, it is going to be extremely difficult for Newcastle United to finish in the top four this season – especially now that the Guehi deal is seemingly off.
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