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Rio Ferdinand has accused Crystal Palace of "bullying" Marc Guehi into remaining at the club despite significant interest from Liverpool. The former Manchester United defender has also suggested Guehi might have secured his desired move had he adopted Alexander Isak's approach this summer.
Guehi, 25, narrowly missed out on a $47 million deadline day switch to Anfield following months of speculation. It's now anticipated the centre-back will depart either on a free transfer next summer or for a considerably reduced fee in January.
His exemplary behaviour stands in contrast to that of Alexander Isak, who staged a protest at Newcastle before securing a $174M move on Monday. Ferdinand has questioned the conduct of both players, along with their respective clubs, whilst praising Isak for achieving his objective.
"Isak has muscled his way out [of Newcastle]," said the former United skipper on his Rio Ferdinand Presents YouTube channel (via the Liverpool Echo). "He's gone and said, 'Listen, I'm not gonna play. I'm sitting down.' He's caused a ruckus, he's got Alan Shearer pulling his hair out, he's got the fans going mad, they want blood. But he got his move."
Virtually every Newcastle supporter would argue Isak behaved incorrectly throughout, declining to train or accompany his Newcastle teammates on their pre-season tour before securing his British record transfer. Guehi, conversely, has maintained Palace supporters' backing by training and featuring as normal, yet failed to secure what could have been a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
"On the other hand: Marc Guehi," Ferdinand continued. "A wonderful, young, polite, respectable human being. I'm not saying that Isak isn't, because I know he is. I've heard he is. I'm not saying that. I'm just talking and telling you what I know, because I know Marc Guehi. Beautiful, young human being.
"Dances and tip-toes around [a potential transfer]. Does things the right way. Does things the way the media says it should be done. He's quiet, unassuming, non-confrontational. The fans love this. This is what they respect, this is what they like. Transfer deadline day, [he] doesn't even get a move! He's stuck at Crystal Palace! They say, 'No, you're not going!'
"Because they knew he wasn't gonna fight, he's not that way. So the club bully him! So the club say, 'No, we can't get who we want exactly, so you're not going nowhere. We're gonna take that move out of your hands.' A dream move to the champions, [who] could potentially win three or four trophies this year. Taken away from a young man because he wasn't being bullish, and he wasn't being aggressive, and he wasn't being like the footballer the fans [come] to hate. Now tell me who's right."
Ferdinand then delivered a direct message to aspiring footballers, encouraging them to pursue every avenue available to secure a dream move. Nevertheless, his principles don't seem to match those of Guehi, given the England international declined to openly pursue a departure from Selhurst Park.
There's scant doubt the Chelsea academy graduate could easily have awakened on Tuesday as a Liverpool player had he adopted a more assertive stance. And it wasn't merely about departing Palace for Guehi, whom BBC Sport has subsequently reported desired "Liverpool or nothing."
Ferdinand's assessment that Palace "bullied" its player into remaining is a viewpoint some supporters may share. Nevertheless, just as players have their ambitions in the transfer window, so too will a club seeking to retain a skipper who has just guided it to FA Cup triumph and a long-awaited European comeback.
It's Ferdinand's contention that Palace has been aware for a long time that Guehi, who received sympathy from former Palace manager Roy Hodgson, wishes to depart and could have secured a suitable replacement. The Eagles pursued a deadline day swoop for Brighton centre-half Igor Julio, but the Brazilian chose to join West Ham on loan instead.
Palace did recruit 19-year-old defender Jaydee Canvot from Toulouse on Monday, but the youngster is a development prospect and won't be prepared to step into Guehi's shoes straight away. At minimum, the talent will have at least four months to master the fundamentals under Guehi before Liverpool probably returns for the England star next year.
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