Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi has informed the club that he will not sign a new contract and intends to leave in 2026, head coach Oliver Glasner has confirmed.
Guehi’s current deal with the Eagles expires on June 30, 2026, meaning he can walk away on a free transfer if no agreement is reached.
From January 1, the England defender will also be free to sign a pre-contract agreement with foreign clubs.
“I think Marc has already told us that he won’t sign a new contract, so he will leave next year. The club wanted him to stay and offered him a new deal, but he said, ‘No, I want to do something different.’ That’s normal in football. Now, it’s about how we handle the situation and what’s best for both sides,” Glasner said.
The 25-year-old centre-back, who joined Palace from Chelsea in 2021, has been a key figure for the London club and is also part of Gareth Southgate’s England setup.
Depth and Rotation: How the Black Stars used 46 players on the road to the 2026 World Cup
Guehi came close to joining Liverpool on Deadline Day this past summer in a deal worth £35 million. However, Palace Chairman Steve Parish cancelled the transfer late in the day, around 4 PM, after the club failed to secure a replacement.
Liverpool, still seeking defensive reinforcements following Giovanni Leoni’s long-term knee injury, could renew their interest in January.
However, Palace are unlikely to let their captain leave cheaply midway through the season.
Several European clubs are also monitoring Guehi’s situation closely, with the defender expected to be one of the most sought-after free agents in 2026.
FKA/AE
Watch the latest episode of Health Focus below