Crystal Palace Boss Delivers Definitive Response to Liverpool's Marc Guehi Transfer Rumors
Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner insisted that Marc Guéhi stays "100%" dedicated to the Eagles despite mounting transfer rumors connecting the defender with a potential switch to Liverpool.
Guéhi's situation remains uncertain. The England defender, who has only twelve months left on his Palace deal, has been openly made available for transfer this summer by the club's ownership if he persists in declining to pen a new agreement. Guéhi has allegedly accepted terms on a Liverpool contract, with the Reds believed to be negotiating with Palace regarding an appropriate transfer fee.
With these rumors intensifying, some suggested that Glasner might choose to exclude Guéhi and Eberechi Eze—another subject of summer transfer talk—from Palace's season opener against Chelsea. Both players featured from the start and delivered excellent performances in an outstanding 0–0 stalemate away to the newly-crowned Club World Cup winners.
"There's plenty of speculation surrounding Eberechi Eze and Marc Guéhi but they were 100% focused on this Crystal Palace squad and they demonstrated that significantly," Glasner declared after the match.
"It demonstrates this squad possesses tremendous character. We cannot control all the chatter and speculation surrounding us. However, we understand our objectives and our playing style. This is what we aim to display in every match.
"The squad performed excellently today, they demonstrated that everyone remains 100% devoted to Crystal Palace, otherwise securing a draw here against such a strong Chelsea team wouldn't be achievable. You're discussing speculation."
Following the final whistle, Glasner seemed to be snubbed by Guéhi, who turned away from his coach to head down the tunnel at Stamford Bridge. The Austrian manager dismissed the uncomfortable moment.
"It's sound guidance for youngsters to not always trust what they see in print, particularly online," he remarked. "Who can say if the speculation being published is accurate? Everyone shares information for their personal benefit. I observe the players daily during practice, if most of what's written about them were factual, the squad couldn't deliver like this, stay united and devoted to one another as they do—it's simply impossible."
The most recent speculation came from The Athletic's David Ornstein on Sunday. During a television segment for NBC, the transfer expert disclosed that Palace are "seeking alternatives" at center-back should Liverpool complete a deal for Guéhi.
The Reds are reportedly preparing their own backup options. Brentford skipper Nathan Collins has surfaced as an unexpected defensive target for the current Premier League titleholders, though they will encounter rivalry from Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur.