Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner has delivered a strikingly honest assessment of captain Marc Guehi's future, conceding the England defender could be sold this month if Manchester City meet the club's valuation and the player desires the move.
"I'm not naive" - Glasner's frank admission
Speaking at a 51-minute press conference ahead of Wednesday's Premier League clash with Aston Villa, Glasner left little room for ambiguity. "I'm not so naive not to know that if a massive offer comes from City and Marc wants to do it, it will happen," the Eagles boss stated.
Guehi's contract situation is a pivotal factor, with his current deal set to expire in the summer of 2026. Pep Guardiola's side are actively seeking defensive reinforcements following injuries to key players Josko Gvardiol and Ruben Dias, placing the 25-year-old centre-back high on their list.
The financial versus sporting dilemma
Glasner painted a clear picture of the conflict facing the South London club. He explained that while everyone at Selhurst Park, including chairman Steve Parish, wants Guehi to stay and sign a new contract, financial realities could force their hand.
"If you're just valuing sports, everyone in the club will say Marc has to stay," Glasner said. "But it's not one-dimensional... if somebody is coming, there will be a moment when the club says, now the financial issue is more important than the sport issue."
The Austrian manager revealed that Parish has rejected several substantial offers for Guehi in recent years, including a bid of up to £65 million from Newcastle United in August 2024. Last summer, Liverpool had a £35 million agreement in place before the transfer collapsed.
The January price tag and a telling analogy
With the January window presenting a greater challenge to find replacements, Palace's asking price is now understood to be in the region of £40 million. Glasner deferred the final decision on valuation to Parish, but suggested a truly astronomical offer would be irresistible.
To illustrate the club's predicament, Glasner offered a heartfelt analogy. "When you have a nice car, you love the car... but you need some money because it's cold and the glass is broken (in your house)," he said, comparing Guehi to the cherished vehicle. "I don't want to sell my car... But I don't want to freeze."
The manager emphasised that any sale would need two key components: a fee that exceeds the club's internal "threshold" and Guehi's personal desire to leave. His departure would be a significant blow to Palace's ambitions this season, which include a push in the Conference League and qualifying for European competition again.
For now, the situation remains in flux. "Honestly I don't know what will happen," Glasner admitted, leaving the door firmly open for a blockbuster transfer before the January window closes.
