As Crystal Palace gears up for one of the biggest matches in the club’s history—a shot at FA Cup glory—captain Marc Guehi is quietly becoming one of the most sought-after defenders in Europe.
But while his focus is on lifting silverware at Wembley this weekend, there’s growing chatter about what comes next for the 24-year-old.
And depending on how things unfold, Guehi could be headed to one of football’s biggest stages.
A Quiet Contract Countdown at Selhurst Park
Guehi’s current deal at Palace runs until the end of next season, and with no signs of an extension just yet, speculation is ramping up fast.
Instead of jumping at the chance to move this summer, reports suggest he might ride out the remainder of his contract—setting up a potential blockbuster free transfer in 2026.
And it’s not just any clubs knocking on the door.
The likes of Real Madrid and Barcelona are reportedly circling, with both Spanish giants keen on the England international.
A Smart Advantage That Makes Him Even More Appealing
One major reason Guehi is so attractive to LaLiga clubs? His dual nationality.
Though he’s a full England international, he was born in the Ivory Coast—and recently renewed his Ivorian passport. This could make all the difference.
Due to post-Brexit rules, British players are now classed as non-EU, which limits their spots in Spanish squads.
But thanks to the Cotonou Agreement between the EU and African nations, players with African citizenship are essentially treated as domestic players in Spain.
So, Guehi wouldn’t take up a valuable non-EU spot—a massive bonus for clubs like Real and Barça.
Premier League Interest Isn’t Letting Up
Of course, he’s not only catching eyes abroad. Back home, Newcastle United have already made serious moves for him, even launching a £75 million bid last summer—only to be turned down by Palace.
There’s every chance they’ll return with another offer, possibly at a lower price if Guehi does decide to run down his deal.
Chelsea, Liverpool, and Spurs have also been keeping tabs, though no formal bids have landed yet.
For Now, All Eyes Are on Wembley
Despite all the speculation, Guehi insists his head is firmly in the game.
“I’m still on a contract, so my focus is always at this football club,” he said ahead of Saturday’s final.
“The most important thing is just doing the best I can and seeing where the future holds.
As far as I’m concerned, I’m a Palace player.”
That kind of calm leadership is exactly why he wears the armband—and why his manager, Oliver Glasner, is doing everything he can to keep distractions away.
Glasner Shuts Down Transfer Talk Before the Big Day
Glasner was clear in his message this week: now is not the time for transfer gossip.
“It’s the wrong time to think about your future,” he told reporters. “I didn’t talk to any single player about it.
We can’t allow distractions—we need 100 percent focus, 100 percent energy, 100 percent togetherness to win this title.”
And he’s right. Palace has a rare chance to make history.
On Saturday, they’ll face off against Manchester City under the Wembley arch, with Guehi leading from the front.
Whether this will be the beginning of a glorious new chapter at Selhurst Park—or the last major moment for Guehi in a Palace shirt—remains to be seen.
But one thing’s for sure: he won’t be flying under the radar for much longer.