Oliver Glasner applauds Crystal Palace fans (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
Crystal Palace head coach Oliver Glasner has openly admitted club captain Marc Guehi could leave Selhurst Park during the January transfer window as uncertainty continues over the defender’s long-term future.
Gehi, 25, is in the final months of his contract and has already informed Palace that he will not sign an extension.
The decision leaves the south London club in a delicate position.
The England international is close to completing his move to Liverpool on deadline day in the summer transfer window, with an agreement in principle for £35m agreed.
However, Palace were unable to secure a suitable replacement and ultimately called off the game at the 11th hour, choosing to keep Gehi until the start of the season rather than weaken the core of their defense.
Marc Guehy could leave Crystal Palace in January
Since then, Gehi’s reputation has only continued to grow. Widely regarded as one of the Premier League’s calmest and most complete centre-backs, he has become one of the hottest prospects in European football.
Several elite clubs are monitoring his situation closely, with both Real Madrid and Barcelona touted as fans, along with several Premier League clubs such as Manchester City and Liverpool.
Gehi, whose contract is expiring, has a great deal of influence heading into the summer transfer window, where players can freely negotiate transfers without a transfer fee.
Oliver Glassner talks about Gehi’s future
Ahead of Palace’s clash with Aston Villa, News Shopper reported that Glasner admitted he was fully aware of the reality facing the club and admitted Palace could be forced to sell if a suitable offer arrives.
“We have a situation where the contract ends in the summer. If someone comes in, there will be a moment when the club says, ‘Right now, the financial issue is more important than the sporting issue.'” We have to do it and try to get the best. That’s why I always say, “I don’t know.” Because this is different. ”
“There will be criteria by which the club has to say[a sale]… If a player says ‘I want to leave’ and the amount is above that criteria then it will happen. I’m not so naive that I don’t know that if a huge offer comes from City and Marc wants it, it will happen.”
Given the importance of Gehi’s leadership, consistency and defensive structure to Palace, Gehi’s possible departure would be a huge blow to the pitch.
However, the club also recognizes the financial risks of giving away expensive assets for free.
Crystal Palace plan raid on relegation-threatened rivals to keep Glasner in good spirits
