It is still not certain that Newcastle United will miss out on signing Marc Guehi to Liverpool.
Liverpool are interested in signing Guehi, with the Reds keen to continue their summer recruitment drive after deals for Florian Wirtz and Jeremie Frimpong.
Arne Slot’s interest in the centre-back has caused concern on Tyneside, with Newcastle looking at Guehi alternatives. There has been a feeling that the Magpies are going to miss out on another top target, with various players already passing Eddie Howe by this summer.
However, there is a situation that could see no club sign Guehi during the 2025 summer transfer window.
Marc Guehi could make major contract decision with Newcastle United on standby
That is according to journalist Ben Jacobs, who has spoken to TalkSPORT about the prospect of Guehi running down his contract at Selhurst Park and leaving on a free transfer in 2026.
“Marc Guehi is not going to extend at Crystal Palace, that is our understanding on TalkSPORT,” he said.
“That means there are two options. One is he stays at Palace, gets the game-time, hopefully goes to the World Cup, leaves on a free transfer. From Guehi’s point of view, he is prepared to entertain that possibility.
“On the other hand, Palace want to sell him. This is their only opportunity to bring in big money.”
What Newcastle United must offer Marc Guehi amid World Cup dilemma
The fact this is a World Cup year complicates Guehi’s decision. He will only join a club where he is guaranteed to play regularly. If not, there is a chance he might not be part of Thomas Tuchel’s England squad.
That is why staying at Crystal Palace is an option for him. He is the captain at Selhurst Park, and will get the minutes he needs to prove why he should go to the 2026 World Cup.
In contrast, he might not get those minutes at Liverpool. They already have Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate.
Guehi is more likely to be a consistent starter at Newcastle United, and they must convince him of that fact if they decide to step up their interest. With no guarantee of a place in the starting XI, there is no chance of a deal.
Crystal Palace provide the further complication, as the last thing they want is for Guehi to go on a free transfer in 2026. Eventually, something is going to have to give, but it remains to be seen if this saga ends with Guehi joining Newcastle United.
In the meantime, Howe is right to look for alternatives.
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