Crystal Palace is reportedly close to selling Marc Guehi to Newcastle United in a deal worth £70 million. This potential transfer would not only top up the club’s transfer kitty but also demonstrate their shrewd business acumen in the transfer market.

The Contract Trick

The clever contract trick refers to Crystal Palace’s ability to negotiate a significant transfer fee for Guehi despite him having only 12 months left on his contract. If Newcastle United’s bid is accepted, Guehi could still choose to decline a move to Tyneside and stay at Selhurst Park. However, this would likely mean Crystal Palace would not receive a fee as high as £70 million in the future.

Potential Replacement

Regardless of Guehi’s fate, Crystal Palace is close to signing a new defender, Maxence Lacroix, from VfL Wolfsburg in a deal worth £14 million. This move would bolster the team’s defensive capabilities and prepare them for potential future departures ¹.

Transfer Activity

Crystal Palace has been active in the transfer market, with several players being linked to moves in and out of the club. Some notable transfer rumors include ²:
– Incoming Transfers:
– Yunus Musah: Crystal Palace is aggressively moving to acquire the 22-year-old United States international, who has struggled for consistency at AC Milan.
– Arnau Martínez: The club is on the verge of signing 22-year-old Spanish defender Arnau Martinez from Girona for a reported transfer fee.
– Ousmane Diomande: Crystal Palace had been working on a deal to sign the talented young Sporting Lisbon center-back.
– Outgoing Transfers:
– Joachim Andersen: Crystal Palace sold the Denmark international to Fulham for £30 million.
– Jordan Ayew: The club sold the Ghana international to Leicester City for £8 million, making a healthy profit on the initial £2.5 million spent to sign him from Swansea.

Future Prospects

The potential sale of Marc Guehi and the signing of Maxence Lacroix demonstrate Crystal Palace’s proactive approach to squad management and transfer dealings. With a busy week expected in the transfer market, the club will aim to balance their books and strengthen their squad for the upcoming season ¹.