Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi has been handed a surprising FA Cup lifeline that could significantly boost the January transfer hopes of Premier League giants Arsenal and Liverpool.
Glasner's decision triggers transfer twist
The situation arose after Eagles manager Oliver Glasner selected the England international to captain the side in their shocking 2-1 defeat to National League North side Macclesfield in the FA Cup third round on Saturday. This appearance, in what became one of the competition's greatest upsets, initially concerned suitors who believed it would render the 25-year-old 'cup-tied' for the rest of the season.
Historically, players were prohibited from representing more than one club in the FA Cup within a single campaign. However, a crucial rule amendment introduced at the start of the 2025/26 season has rewritten the script. The new regulation states a player may feature for a maximum of two clubs in the competition proper, provided they do not play for two different teams in the same round.
How the new FA Cup rule benefits elite clubs
This change means that should Guehi complete a move to Arsenal, Liverpool, or even Manchester City – with whom he has also been linked – this month, he would be eligible to feature from the fourth round onwards. The scrapping of replays makes it a straightforward path for any buying club.
Guehi's future is a major talking point this January. His contract at Selhurst Park expires in June, and while elite European clubs like Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, and Barcelona eye a summer free transfer, a winter sale remains possible. Glasner admitted a sale could happen if a "massive offer" arrives and the player desires to leave.
Liverpool agreed a £35million deal for the centre-back on deadline day in September, only for Palace to pull out. The Reds retain strong interest. Arsenal are also actively monitoring the situation, with reports suggesting Manchester City are confident of securing a £30m deal.
What happens next for Guehi?
The coming weeks are pivotal. Guehi can now negotiate a pre-contract with overseas clubs, but the revised FA Cup rule adds a compelling new incentive for English suitors to act now. Securing him in January would not only bolster their defensive ranks but also provide a player eligible for a deep cup run.
Glasner's selection against Macclesfield, therefore, has inadvertently clarified Guehi's immediate availability in a key competition, turning a potential transfer complication into a significant opportunity for the Premier League's title contenders.
