January switch ruled out by Premier League manager amid Liverpool and Man United interest
Crystal Palace head coach Oliver Glasner is confident that captain Marc Guéhi will remain at Selhurst Park until the end of the campaign, despite mounting interest from some of Europe’s elite clubs.
The England defender has long been expected to depart south London, yet Glasner has stressed that Palace are focused on continuity and competitiveness rather than chasing a quick financial payoff.
Speculation around Guéhi’s future has been constant since the summer transfer window, when a late move to Liverpool fell through. Although talks progressed to an advanced stage, Palace ultimately chose to keep hold of their skipper, underlining just how highly the club rate the 25-year-old centre-back.
With Guéhi entering the final year of his contract, many believed Palace would look to sell either last summer or during the upcoming January window to avoid losing him for nothing. However, that scenario now appears increasingly unlikely.
Liverpool remain one of several clubs keeping a close eye on the situation, viewing Guéhi as a long-term answer in central defence. Manchester City have also been linked, with Pep Guardiola reportedly identifying the Palace captain as a future defensive target as City plan a refresh of their back line.
Manchester United are also understood to be monitoring Guéhi as they seek to strengthen defensively.
Despite the growing list of admirers, Glasner has publicly played down the possibility of a mid-season exit. “I think Marc will stay until the end of the season,” the Austrian coach said, reiterating Palace’s position amid intense speculation, according to The Standard.
From a business standpoint, a January sale could be logical, allowing Palace to secure a sizeable transfer fee rather than risk Guéhi leaving on a free transfer next summer. But Glasner’s remarks suggest the club are willing to put sporting objectives ahead of profit.
Internally, Guéhi is viewed as vital to maintaining momentum. As captain, he leads both on and off the pitch, anchoring the defence while playing a major role in the dressing room. His influence has been key to Palace’s organisation, composure in possession, and consistency under Glasner.
Sources close to the club indicate Palace have no intention of selling Guéhi midway through the season, believing that disrupting the squad could damage their Premier League and domestic cup ambitions.
While this stance may disappoint interested clubs such as Liverpool and Manchester City, it reflects a broader shift in Palace’s mentality. Rather than operating purely as a selling club, the Eagles are signalling their desire to compete and build, even at the expense of potential short-term revenue.
As the season unfolds, Guéhi’s long-term future will continue to attract attention. For now, though, Crystal Palace appear united in their belief that keeping their captain until the season’s conclusion is the right decision.
