Crystal Palace Face Defensive Dilemma as Marc Guehi’s Future Hangs in the Balance Amid European Debut Win

Key Takeaways:

• Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish confirmed after last night’s win that Marc Guehi could be sold before the transfer deadline
• Eberechi Eze is set to complete a £67.5m move to Arsenal, leaving Palace following the Gunners’ successful bid
• Palace defeated Fredrikstad 1-0 in their first ever European fixture, with Guehi captaining the side

Transfer Uncertainty Surrounding Defensive Anchor

Crystal Palace are confronted with the prospect of losing another key player as chairman Steve Parish admitted that Marc Guehi may be sold to the highest bidder before the current transfer window closes. Parish, 60, revealed this possibility during a Channel 5 interview after Palace secured a 1-0 win over Fredrikstad last night in their UEFA debut.

Despite manager Oliver Glasner’s determination to retain his star centre-back, Parish highlighted the club’s financial pressures and warned that losing Guehi for free—given he has just 12 months remaining on his contract—is not a viable scenario. He added that the stricter financial regulations imposed on European clubs complicate matters, emphasising a decision must be reached in the next 11 days.

The England international, aged 25, is reportedly attracting renewed interest from Premier League champions Liverpool, with his market value currently at £35,000,000. Back in January, Palace rejected a £70,000,000 offer from Tottenham Hotspur for Guehi.

Glasner’s Defensive Woes and Squad Depth Issues

Palace’s resources were stretched during their European opener, where Guehi formed a back three alongside Jefferson Lerma and Maxence Lacroix. With American centre-back Chris Richards left on the bench and Chadi Riad sidelined until at least October, Glasner expressed concern over the club’s depth at the heart of defence.

Glasner commented, “I just know if Marc leaves, and is not available for Fredrikstad, we would have big problems. It’s pretty clear. We can’t register anyone. So from my side, he has to stay. You see, we played with Jefferson Lerma in the back today. He’s a midfield player. We have no centre-backs available at the moment, and if Marc leaves, okay, maybe I will try my boots, because I was a centre-back and this could be a good option. I will think about it.”

This lack of options was evident as Palace were only able to name nine substitutes out of a possible twelve for the fixture, including two back-up goalkeepers.

Squad Changes and Eze’s Looming Departure

Palace’s personnel issues extended beyond defence. Eberechi Eze, aged 27, was absent after reporting sick on the morning of the match. Following the game, Glasner acknowledged the midfielder will likely not feature for the club again as a £67,500,000 transfer to Arsenal nears completion. “I’m responsible for Crystal Palace and I think he won’t play for us again. So I have to prepare the team for Nottingham [Forest] and for the second leg against Fredrikstad, and I’m planning without Eberechi,” said Glasner.

Justin Devenny stepped in to fill Eze’s place in the line-up for last night’s historic match. Odsonne Edouard, largely unused during his loan at Leicester City last season, also made a substitute appearance for the Eagles.

Summer Recruitment Remains Limited

Thus far, Palace have added just two senior players to their squad during the summer transfer window: reserve goalkeeper Walter Benitez, who arrived on a free transfer, and Borna Sosa, signed for approximately £3,000,000.

With challenging squad circumstances and crucial transfer decisions looming, Crystal Palace’s resilience will be firmly tested as the season unfolds and the transfer window draws to a close.