Crystal Palace chairman confirms plans to sell Liverpool target Marc Guehi

Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish has revealed that the club intend to sell captain Marc Guehi this summer to avoid losing him on a free transfer when his contract expires.

The Eagles rejected several offers for the defender from Newcastle United in January, including a final bid worth £65 million, hoping Guehi would commit to a new contract at Selhurst Park.

However, the England international has now entered the final 12 months of his deal and shows no signs of extending his stay.

Reports suggest Guehi is open to remaining with Palace until 2026, after which he would be free to leave without a transfer fee.

Despite this, Parish admitted the club would prefer to cash in on the player during the upcoming transfer window, rather than risk losing him for nothing.

Liverpool have expressed interest in Guehi, but it remains uncertain whether Arne Slot’s side will invest heavily in a player they could potentially sign for free in 2026.

Crystal Palace reportedly value Guehi at around £40million, but Liverpool are keen to negotiate a lower fee.

So far this summer, the Reds have spent approximately £270 million on new signings, while recouping about £170 million through player sales.

“We’d have to do that, of course,” said Parish.

“For players of that calibre to leave on a free, it’s a problem for us unfortunately.

“Joachim [Andersen] went [to Fulham last summer] and we couldn’t afford to lose both.

“We then had another bid [for Guehi] in January but that was a different situation.

“We’ll just have to see what happens. But, you know, it needs a new contract or a conclusion of some kind.”

Parish spoke after Palace won the Community Shield, securing their second trophy under Oliver Glasner.

Glasner has criticised the club’s limited summer transfers, with only two first-team signings: goalkeeper Walter Benitez and defender Borna Sosa.

“It’s difficult. We have an outstanding 15 or 16 players, trying to get that level of quality in is hard. The prices – at the end of the day we’re Crystal Palace,” said Parish.

“The money at every football club is finite at some point. We will do what we can, try and help where we can.

“We all want to be better at football and we will try and do what we can.”

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