LONDON: Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner has confirmed that club captain Marc Guéhi will leave Selhurst Park at the end of the season, ending months of speculation over his future.
Speaking at a press briefing on Friday, Glasner revealed that the England international has declined to extend his stay beyond next summer.
Guéhi has told us he will not renew his contract, Glasner said. We offered him a new deal because everyone at the club wanted him to stay, but he wants something different.
The 25-year-old defender’s decision means he will be available on a free transfer in June 2026, immediately making him one of the most sought-after defensive targets in Europe.
Since joining from Chelsea in 2021, Guéhi has risen to become Palace’s captain and defensive leader, guiding the South London side to their first-ever FA Cup and Community Shield titles.
His calm leadership and consistency have also earned him a regular spot in England’s national team.
With his impending departure confirmed, Europe’s biggest clubs are now lining up for his signature. According to reports, Liverpool and Real Madrid are leading the race, while Barcelona, Bayern Munich, and Inter Milan have also joined the chase.
Liverpool previously came close to landing Guéhi for around €40 million last summer before Palace owner Steve Parish pulled the plug.
With the defender now set to be available for free, competition is expected to be intense.
Real Madrid, meanwhile, reportedly view Guéhi as a potential long-term defensive reinforcement or as Plan B should Liverpool succeed in extending Ibrahima Konaté’s deal.
While Guéhi remains focused on completing the season with Palace, his next move appears destined for one of Europe’s elite clubs.
For the Palace faithful, it will be a bittersweet farewell watching their captain lead the side one final time before moving on to new challenges. He wants something different, Glasner said thoughtfully.
That different could soon mean Anfield, the Bernabéu, or another European powerhouse.
