Captain Marc Guehi, Crystal Palace’s key central defender and England international, has formally informed the club of his intention to leave at the end of the current season when his contract expires in June 2026. This was confirmed by Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner, who stated that Guehi declined a new contract offer, expressing a desire to pursue new opportunities elsewhere. The decision comes after a turbulent transfer saga during the summer when Guehi was very close to joining Liverpool for a £35 million fee, but the deal was called off by Palace due to their inability to secure a suitable replacement.
Guehi, 25, has made 167 appearances since joining Palace from Chelsea in 2021 and has been instrumental in the club’s defense, earning the captaincy and leading the team to an FA Cup triumph. This season, he has played in all 12 matches across competitions, helping the Eagles maintain a strong position in the Premier League. Despite the club’s efforts to keep him, including contract renewal talks, Guehi remains resolute about moving on to “make something different,” as Glasner put it.
Contract Situation
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Current contract expires: June 30, 2026
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New contract offer: Declined by Guehi
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January 2026 window: Eligible to sign pre-contract agreements with foreign clubs
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Potential transfer: January 2026 (Palace may seek to cash in rather than lose him for free)
Transfer Context
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Summer 2025: Near transfer to Liverpool collapsed days before deadline
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Transfer fee agreed: £35 million (withdrawn due to replacement issues)
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Other clubs interested: Barcelona, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, besides Liverpool
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Palace’s stance: Prefer to sell in January if possible, otherwise let him leave on a free transfer next summer
Career Highlights at Palace
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Joined from Chelsea (2021)
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167 appearances
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Club captain
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FA Cup winner
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England international with 26 caps, eyeing 2026 World Cup selection
Manager Oliver Glasner’s Comments
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“Marc has told us he will not sign a new contract and will leave next year.”
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“The club offered a new deal, but he wants to pursue something different.”
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“We are discussing the best way to navigate this situation, either a January transfer or next summer.”
Implications for Crystal Palace
Losing their captain and defensive lynchpin on a free transfer next summer poses a major challenge for Palace. The club may opt to negotiate a January sale to recoup some transfer fee, but the window for that is short and complicated. This situation also highlights the club’s need to rebuild its defense for the next season while managing current squad stability.
Marc Guehi Contract and Transfer Summary
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Player | Marc Guehi |
| Age | 25 |
| Position | Centre-back |
| Current Club | Crystal Palace |
| Contract Expiry | June 30, 2026 |
| New Contract Offer | Declined |
| Summer 2025 Transfer | Near Liverpool (£35m, collapsed) |
| Eligible for Pre-contract | January 2026 |
| Potential Next Clubs | Liverpool, Barcelona, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich |
| Appearances for Palace | 167 |
| Role | Club Captain, FA Cup winner |
| England Caps | 26 |
Marc Guehi’s decision marks the end of a significant phase in his career and Crystal Palace’s history. The club must now strategically plan for his departure, either through a January transfer or by preparing for a rebuild next season. His next destination is awaited eagerly by top European clubs, and fans will watch closely as the transfer saga unfolds in the coming months.