Crystal Palace's Concerns Over Marc Guehi's Future

Liverpool's Interest in Marc Guehi

Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner is worried. He fears the club may struggle to find a suitable replacement for defender Marc Guehi, who is linked with a move to Liverpool.

Liverpool has opened talks with Crystal Palace regarding Guehi as they look to strengthen their defense before the summer transfer window closes. The situation is tense, with only eight days left in the window.

Liverpool has two options for acquiring Guehi. They could negotiate a deal with Crystal Palace this summer or wait until next year when Guehi's contract expires, allowing them to sign him for free.

Palace's Position on Guehi

Currently, Crystal Palace is asking for more than what Liverpool is willing to pay. This puts Liverpool in a challenging position. Glasner is not keen on losing Guehi, especially after the recent sale of star attacker Eberechi Eze to Arsenal for £67.5 million.

Palace has seen three other players leave as free agents, and they have spent only £2 million this summer. Two new arrivals have joined the squad, but Glasner knows they need to be competitive.

"I am worried about Crystal Palace if we are losing players and we don’t get the right ones in," Glasner told BBC Sport. He emphasized the importance of maintaining a competitive squad as they prepare for the upcoming season.

The Impact of Guehi's Departure

If Guehi leaves, it could create significant challenges for Crystal Palace. Glasner expressed his concerns ahead of the match against Nottingham Forest at Selhurst Park. He stated, "It is my duty as manager to tell the owners what we have to do to be competitive and stay on our pathway."

Glasner's resistance to Guehi's departure is evident. However, he humorously suggested that if Guehi leaves, he might have to lace up his boots again. "If Marc leaves, I will try my boots because I was a centre-back, and this could be a good option," he joked.

The Urgency of the Situation

Liverpool has been warned by Glasner that any attempt to sign Guehi will go down to the wire. He wants Guehi available for the upcoming UEFA Europa Conference League qualifying match against Norwegian side Fredrikstad. The Eagles earned a 1-0 advantage from the first leg at Selhurst Park, where Guehi played a crucial role.

Glasner stated, "I just know if Marc leaves and is not available for Frederikstad, we will have big troubles. That's pretty clear. We can't register anyone. So from my side, he has to stay."

Liverpool's Strategy

Liverpool is willing to play a waiting game. They are content to wait until next year if it means acquiring Guehi for free. This strategy could prove beneficial for the club, but it puts additional pressure on Crystal Palace.

Conclusion: The Future of Crystal Palace

The situation surrounding Marc Guehi is precarious for Crystal Palace. As the transfer window approaches its end, Glasner's concerns grow. The club must navigate these challenges carefully to maintain their competitive edge in the Premier League and the UEFA Europa Conference League.

In this tense atmosphere, the future of Crystal Palace hinges on their ability to retain key players like Guehi. The coming days will be crucial in determining the club's direction as they aim to build a successful season ahead.

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