The financial barrier preventing Marc Guehi from leaving Crystal Palace has effectively crumbled, with fresh reports confirming that the Eagles have abandoned their £70m valuation in favour of a realistic January exit price of £35m-£40m.
Contrary to earlier suggestions that Palace would hold firm on a "survival tax" valuation, the reality of Guehi’s contract situation has forced a significant climbdown at Selhurst Park. As reported by The Liverpool Echo, the south London club are now "anticipating" offers in the region of £35m—a figure that changes the complexion of the transfer race entirely.
The Contract Reality Check
The collapse in valuation is driven by cold, hard logistics. Guehi’s contract expires on June 30, 2026. He has just under six months remaining on his deal. While foreign clubs can already negotiate a pre-contract agreement for a free summer transfer, domestic rivals like Liverpool and Manchester City know that Palace’s leverage is non-existent.
Last summer, Palace successfully fought off Newcastle United by demanding £65m+. To demand that figure now, for a player who can walk away for nothing in May, would be financial malpractice. Sources indicate that Palace chairman Steve Parish has reluctantly accepted that recouping £35m now is better than retaining an unhappy captain for 19 games and receiving zero return in the summer.
Liverpool’s Stance: Opportunity vs Strategy
This price drop represents a major "green light" for Liverpool’s recruitment team. FSG had previously valued Guehi at roughly £45m last summer but walked away when the price inflated. Now that the fee has dropped below their internal valuation, the deal looks far more viable.
However, Arne Slot’s side are not the only sharks in the water. Manchester City are currently favourites to act on this new price point immediately. With Ruben Dias and John Stones struggling with fitness issues, City view £35m as a negligible sum to solve a crisis. Liverpool’s dilemma is whether to match City’s urgency or stick to their preferred plan of waiting to sign him for free in July—a gamble that looks increasingly risky given City’s desperation.
Player Preference
Crucially, reports suggest Guehi’s personal preference leans towards Anfield. The defender believes he is a better tactical fit for Slot’s high line than Pep Guardiola’s rotation-heavy system. However, if City put £35m on the table this week and Liverpool hesitate, the decision may be taken out of his hands.
Check the latest Marc Guehi next club odds to see if the market has reacted to this significant price correction.