Nick Woltemade sealed a switch to Newcastle United, joining from Stuttgart for £65million. That sum could increase to £69million once add-ons are included.
The price tag makes him Newcastle’s record signing, overtaking the £63million paid for Alexander Isak. It represents a major outlay from PIF, coming just a year after failing to break the club’s transfer ceiling.
During the 2024 summer window, Newcastle made a relentless push for Marc Guehi. He was Eddie Howe’s priority target, with the Magpies tabling a £70million bid for the defender.
Crystal Palace turned it down, with Steve Parish insisting the centre-back was far too important. Guehi came close to leaving for £35million to Liverpool this summer, but once more the Eagles held their ground.
On deadline day, Liverpool completed the British-record £125million signing of Alexander Isak. Their move for Guehi, however, never materialised.
Observers have drawn comparisons between Isak and Guehi. One forced matters, the other showed dignity. Yet only one ultimately secured the transfer he desired.
But Guehi will eventually make his move, with plans in place to wait until the summer of 2026.
According to Miguel Delaney’s Inside Football newsletter, a January exit is considered ‘highly unlikely’.
It is noted that he intends to play out his contract and weigh up free-agent opportunities next summer.
From a PSR angle, that spells disaster for Crystal Palace. Back in 2024 they rejected £70 million. By 2026, they will collect nothing at all.
However, that does come with the caveat of Palace lifting the FA Cup with Guehi earlier this year. Supporters value that memory as priceless.
Howe had envisioned Guehi joining St James’ Park, partnering with Dan Burn.
That was confirmed by Burn, who discussed Guehi ahead of England’s World Cup qualifier against Andorra.
“Obviously, Marc is a top player and nearly completed a move to Liverpool as well,” he said.
“I think it drives us both on, and that’s what the manager [Thomas Tuchel] demands, with the style of possession and patterns of play pushing us higher up the field, which fits perfectly.
“Yes, right now I’d probably admit that he [Guehi] is my direct rival [for England].”
