Marc Guehi is reportedly ready to pass on the possibility to rejoin Chelsea as other opportunities arise.
According to Football Insider, Marc Guehi may turn down a potential return to Chelsea, preferring to wait for better offers from other top clubs. The Blues reportedly hold a matching rights clause in their 2021 deal with Crystal Palace, allowing them to match any accepted bids for the centre-back.
However, despite this, the final decision on his future will rest with Guehi himself, and reports suggest he could be leaning toward a move elsewhere. With other clubs interested, things are not looking good for Chelsea.
Newcastle United had pushed hard to sign Guehi during the summer window but were unable to meet Crystal Palace’s high valuation of £75 million. Other clubs, including Chelsea and Liverpool, are expected to join the race for his signature next summer when his price is anticipated to drop, given he will have just one year remaining on his contract at Selhurst Park.
Guehi’s Rise at Palace and Interest from Top Clubs
Since joining Crystal Palace from Chelsea for £18 million in 2021, Marc Guehi has firmly established himself as one of the Premier League’s standout defenders. With 115 appearances for Palace, Guehi has become a key player for both club and country. His performances earned him the captain’s armband at Palace ahead of the 2024/25 season, and his role at Euro 2024 further cemented his place in England’s national team, where he has now earned 18 caps.
His rise to prominence has attracted significant interest from top European clubs, making him one of the most sought-after defenders in the upcoming transfer windows. Left-sided centre-backs are always in high demand, and clubs like Liverpool are reportedly considering Guehi as a potential successor to Virgil van Dijk.
Chelsea’s Dilemma: Convincing Guehi to Return
Chelsea’s interest in bringing Guehi back is clear, but they face stiff competition from other elite teams. Furthermore, sources suggest Guehi may be hesitant to return to Stamford Bridge due to the club’s recent transfer dealings and treatment of established players. With Chelsea taking a scattergun approach to their transfer market strategy, Guehi could prioritize a move elsewhere, particularly if Chelsea fail to qualify for the Champions League next season.
If Chelsea do miss out on Champions League football, their chances of securing Guehi’s signature could be severely hampered. Given the competition from clubs like Liverpool, who are targeting Guehi as a long-term replacement for van Dijk, Chelsea will need to make a strong case to convince their academy graduate to return.
Guehi’s future is set to be one of the most intriguing transfer stories next summer. As a left-sided centre-back who has proven himself at both club and international levels, Guehi will be a highly sought-after commodity. While Chelsea hold matching rights, the ultimate decision will rest with the Eagles star, and it seems increasingly likely that he could opt for a new challenge elsewhere rather than a return to Stamford Bridge.
Whether it is Newcastle United, Liverpool, or another top European club, Guehi’s next move will undoubtedly attract attention from across the football world.
