Newcastle United’s summer window was dominated by the transfer saga around Marc Guehi.
The Magpies wanted to sign a top-class centre-back over the summer and settled on Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi as a top target after his superb performances for England at Euro 2024.
Newcastle submitted several bids for Guehi ranging up to as much as £65million, but all were rejected by Palace.
Eventually, Newcastle walked away from the Guehi deal on deadline day with Eddie Howe left emptyhanded. Lloyd Kelly was the only defensive signing made ahead of the 2024/25 campaign.
With just 18 months remaining on his Palace contract, reports have suggested that Newcastle could return for Guehi this month. However, they now face competition from other Premier League clubs.
Will Newcastle United reignite Marc Guehi interest?
Newcastle are still in the market for a centre-back, but the return of Sven Botman this month has made it more of a want than a need.
Reports suggest Newcastle would pay £50m for Guehi this month, but that would take a huge bite out of the January budget with the club already struggling to comply with PSR.
Chelsea are now interested in Guehi, while Liverpool have also been mentioned as potential bidders. Newcastle can’t really afford to enter a bidding war.
With that in mind, Sky Sports journalist Pete Graves has admitted he would be “very surprised” to see Newcastle reignite interest in Guehi this month.
Via the Transfer Talk podcast, Dharmesh Sheth started by saying: “Chelsea haven’t been in with an offer yet, but the fact they are interested might force Crystal Palace to start thinking about a decision again.
“Because he now has 18 months left on his contract, his value will have come down from the summer.
“Clearly they do not want to sell him, let alone in the middle of the season. But they will have to balance it up.”
Graves then added: “Trevoh Chalobah could come into play as part of any deal, he’s already on loan there. There was some talk Chelsea could recall him too.
“Whether Newcastle go back in for him [Guehi] – I would be very, very surprised to be honest with regards to the finances there and whether they would throw money at that deal again after the way it went last time.”
Newcastle have Marc Guehi alternatives lined up
With a return for Guehi unlikely due to his hefty asking price, Newcastle have set their sights on several alternative targets.
Newcastle have scouted Abdukodir Khusanov – the 20-year-old Lens defender – but he has also caught the eyes of Europe’s elite with Manchester City and Real Madrid showing interest.
Another former target has also re-emerged with Newcastle interested in Fikayo Tomori. Reports suggest he could leave AC Milan for less than £25m in 2025. That certainly fits into the budget.
Benfica star Antonio Silva is also on Newcastle’s radar but at a price of £41m, the Portuguese defender is another who would take up most of the January budget.
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