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Crystal Palace head coach Oliver Glasner has confirmed that defender Marc Guehi won't be signing a new contract, meaning he will leave the club by next summer at the latest.
Guehi, 25, is contracted through June 2026, but has been subject to significant transfer interest in recent years. Newcastle United formally approached Palace in an attempt to sign Guehi, and Liverpool almost signed the defender this summer.
After a $47 million deadline-day deal was agreed upon, the transfer fell through as Palace was unable to sign a suitable replacement before the end of the window. It's expected that Liverpool will attempt to sign Guehi on a free transfer next summer, and Glasner has now confirmed that the player will be available.
Glasner was determined to keep Guehi this summer after losing star player Eberechi Eze to Arsenal. While his request was ultimately granted, it was unlikely that Guehi would extend his contract beyond this season.
Guehi has now informed Palace categorically that he won't be signing another deal, meaning he will be a free agent in June. Glasner broke the news to reporters on Friday, ahead of Palace's upcoming game against Bournemouth.
"I think Marc has already told us that he doesn't sign a new contract, so he will leave next year," Glasner said. "The club wanted [him to stay]. They offered Marc a new contract.
"But he said, 'no, I want to make something different'. And that's normal. And for us, it's how we can deal with this situation? [What] is the best way to get this next step done? And that's all about how we are talking together."
Guehi has become one of the best center-backs in the Premier League, and his performances have been recognized. Guehi is now a mainstay on the England national team and is expected to be included in the World Cup squad next year.
It's been confirmed that Guehi will play for a new club next season, but it's unclear when he will leave Palace. The club may look to cash in on Guehi in January to avoid losing him for free.
Liverpool could make a second bid for Guehi during the January window, but with the defender available for free six months later, the Premier League champions may choose to wait. However, Guehi is free to negotiate with foreign clubs starting in January.
Guehi could sign a pre-contract agreement with an overseas club and join them at the end of the season. Liverpool doesn't have that luxury, but Guehi recently hinted that his future doesn't need to be resolved before the World Cup next summer.
When asked about his future on international duty, Guehi said: "It doesn’t really matter. As long as I am playing well and helping Palace, then there is definitely an opportunity to be here [in the England squad], as I am today.
"Whether my future is sorted or not is not really the most important thing."
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