The Marc Guehi to Newcastle United saga continues, with just over a fortnight to go before the summer transfer closes.
When news of Newcastle United’s interest in Marc Guehi broke on August 2nd, Toon fans were hoping for a speedy resolution – one way or another.
Instead, it has developed into a typical Toon transfer saga. Bids have been submitted, and bids have been rejected. Managers and owners have weighed in, yet we still do not have a concrete decision regarding Guehi‘s future.
Newcastle have made three bids for Guehi, who could end up costing the Magpies £65million. Steve Parish has told Newcastle it will cost ‘superstar money’ to sign Guehi, as talks over the England international continue.
Luke Edwards comments on Marc Guehi to Newcastle United after ‘close’ claim
It has been a frustrating situation, but one that could still have a happy ending for Newcastle United.
That is the view of journalist Luke Edwards, who has spoke to BBC’s Football Daily podcast about Guehi’s future.
Edwards has suggested that he still thinks a deal will get done, after writing in the Telegraph on August 5th that a deal for Newcastle to sign Guehi was ‘close’.
That proved not to be the case, but he still expects the 24-year-old to arrive at St James’ Park.
“Steve Parish gave a very interesting interview, which was a kind of ‘he is available to buy, but you’re going to have to pay top money for him’,” he said.
“Newcastle haven’t been scared off by that. I think negotiations are continuing. I think everybody on both sides would like it to be a little less public, which obviously isn’t great for us in the media. But I think they’d like to get on with it in secret.
“My gut feeling is it will get done, that Newcastle will get to an asking price. I thought Parish chose his words very carefully, saying that you’re going to have to pay our asking price. Newcastle have tried to lowball and get a bargain because they know the player wants to come. I think Parish alluded to the fact that the player wants the move to happen.
“I think it will probably go quiet, but I think that transfer could very well still happen. It would be an excellent signing for Newcastle.”
Edwards added: “Until it’s done, it’s not done. It’s gone on for a week now. I wrote in the Telegraph a week ago that it was close, only to be shown up by three rejected bids. But I think it will happen in the end.”
Newcastle must get this Guehi deal over the line
While Parish’s interview suggested that Newcastle United were nowhere near agreeing a deal for Guehi, it was probably a bit of brinkmanship from the Crystal Palace owner. He obviously wants to get the best deal possible for an extremely talented player, but did not say that he was not available.
A deal is there to be done, but only if Newcastle can submit an acceptable offer. Personal terms are not going to be an issue, while it has been reported that Guehi is keen to sign for Newcastle.
That is an important factor, even if Guehi is not necessarily pushing for the move to Tyneside. He wants it to happen, and Newcastle United must make it so.
It has been an extremely disappointing transfer window for the Magpies, and the mood will become even worse if Paul Mitchell fails to land Guehi. It is an important deal for the sporting director, as he aims to get his Toon tenure off to a bright start.
The clock is ticking, and Newcastle are yet to become serious players in the transfer window. It is vital that the Guehi deal gets done, otherwise there could be a mad scramble to land an alternative. On top of that, Toon officials also need to address possible outgoings and try to bring in a right winger.
It is going to be a very busy end to the summer transfer window for Newcastle, but hopefully it proves to be a positive one.
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