With the FA Cup final looming this weekend, all eyes are on Crystal Palace’s captain Marc Guehi.

While his leadership on the pitch is crucial, there’s also plenty of talk swirling about what’s next for the young defender once the season wraps up.

Palace fans and Premier League watchers alike are wondering if this could be Guehi’s final campaign at Selhurst Park.

Marc Guehi’s Contract Situation and Transfer Speculation

Guehi’s current deal with Crystal Palace runs until the end of next season, but that hasn’t stopped the transfer rumors from heating up.

The 24-year-old has been a standout defender since joining Palace from Chelsea back in 2021 for £18 million.

Since then, he’s steadily grown into one of the Premier League’s most dependable centre-backs.

Despite his importance to the team, Palace risk losing him on a free transfer if they don’t secure a deal soon.

Newcastle United showed strong interest last summer, even offering a whopping £75 million for him—an offer Palace turned down.

That door isn’t fully closed, as Newcastle may come knocking again, potentially for less.

A Surprise Twist With Spanish Giants Real Madrid and Barcelona

What makes Guehi particularly intriguing to European powerhouses like Real Madrid and Barcelona is his Ivorian nationality.

Because LaLiga clubs are limited to just three non-EU players in their squads, British players face extra hurdles since Brexit classified them as non-EU.

But Guehi’s Ivorian passport changes the game. Thanks to the Cotonou Agreement between the EU and African, Caribbean, and Pacific nations, players from certain African countries don’t count as non-EU players.

This means Guehi wouldn’t take up one of those precious non-EU spots, making him a highly attractive option for Spanish clubs aiming to navigate these strict rules.

Premier League Clubs Still Watching Guehi Closely

While Real Madrid and Barcelona loom in the background, Premier League clubs like Chelsea, Liverpool, Tottenham, and of course Newcastle, continue to monitor Guehi’s development.

His versatility, skill, and now his passport advantage make him a rare commodity in the transfer market.

Focus Remains On The FA Cup Final Against Manchester City

Despite the transfer chatter, Guehi remains firmly focused on the present.

On Saturday, he’ll captain Crystal Palace as they face Manchester City at Wembley—a chance to bring the FA Cup home to Palace for the very first time.

Speaking ahead of the final, Guehi was clear about his mindset: “I’m still on a contract, so my focus is always at this football club.

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.”

Manager Oliver Glasner Stresses Focus Over Distractions

Manager Oliver Glasner echoed that sentiment, emphasizing the importance of concentrating fully on the title.

“It’s the wrong time to think about your future,” Glasner said. “If you start to talk about it, you get distracted, and this is what we can’t allow.

We need 100 per cent focus, 100 per cent energy, 100 per cent togetherness to win this title, otherwise it’s not possible.”