SAEDNEWS: Marc Guéhi remains at Crystal Palace after a dramatic transfer saga, leaving manager Oliver Glasner frustrated over the club’s handling of the deal. The decision resolves one issue but raises new challenges for squad planning and Glasner’s future.
Oliver Glasner smiled as he remarked, “Marc and I share the same fate.” On the eve of Crystal Palace’s Community Shield clash with Liverpool, questions about captain Marc Guéhi’s contract situation resurfaced.
Guéhi entered the final year of his contract, and a quick resolution was essential. “Of course, everyone wants Marc to sign a new contract,” Glasner said. Yet, no one anticipated how dramatically events would unfold. Following Palace’s FA Cup victory over Arne Slot’s side, Glasner had voiced concerns about players leaving on free transfers, but a last-minute reversal by chairman Steve Parish stole the headlines from Alexander Isak’s record-breaking Anfield move.
Palace had turned down Tottenham’s £70m offer in January, while Liverpool had indicated they would pay no more than £35m. Injuries and the departure of sporting director Dougie Freedman complicated plans, leaving Palace scrambling for replacements minutes before the deadline. Ultimately, Guéhi stayed, leaving Glasner frustrated, though Guéhi remains committed to the club.
While the decision mitigates one issue, it raises others, including delays on the new Selhurst Park stand and uncertainty over future investment. The biggest challenge may be keeping Glasner beyond this season without additional backing from new major shareholder Woody Johnson.
