Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner insists that keeping captain Marc Guehi is essential for a successful 2025-26 season. Amid rumors of a potential transfer to Liverpool, Glasner emphasizes Guehi’s importance to the team, highlighting his leadership and performance in their recent 3-0 win against Aston Villa. With Crystal Palace set to compete in the Conference League, retaining Guehi is seen as crucial for their prospects.
Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner has emphasized the critical importance of retaining captain Marc Guehi if the Eagles are to achieve a successful 2025-26 season. Glasner's remarks come amid swirling rumors linking the England international with a move to Liverpool, with the transfer deadline looming.
Guehi showcased his leadership and quality in Palace's impressive 3-0 victory over Aston Villa on Sunday. He scored a stunning goal in the 68th minute, adding to Jean-Philippe Mateta’s penalty and Ismaila Sarr’s header. This win extended Crystal Palace's unbeaten run to an impressive 14 matches across all competitions, marking their longest unbeaten streak as a top-flight team in the club's history.
However, the focus before the Villa game was primarily on Guehi's future. Liverpool have reportedly made a £35 million bid for the defender, but Crystal Palace are said to be holding out for an overall package of £40 million.
Glasner has made it clear that he wants Guehi to stay at Selhurst Park, particularly as the team prepares for a busy campaign that includes participation in the league phase of the Conference League. He believes that losing Guehi without a proper replacement would severely impact their chances of success.
"I told this to the chairman, we have to keep Marc if we want to play a successful season," Glasner told BBC Match of the Day. "We have no chance to find the right replacement in one day. We all agreed that we only sell Marc if we have the right replacement in the building." He added, "We wanted a replacement by July 1. We have this agreement so it is clear from me. He is such a crucial player. He is one of our key players… he is our captain. Again, if we want to play a successful season, we have to keep him."
14 – Crystal Palace are now unbeaten across each of their last 14 matches across all competitions (W6 D8), the Eagles’ longest ever run as a top-flight team. Golden. pic.twitter.com/EGXNU4l2q8
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) August 31, 2025
Glasner isn't the only one advocating for Guehi's continued presence at Crystal Palace. Striker Jean-Philippe Mateta echoed his manager’s sentiments. "Every game he brings something new, and he is a fantastic player. I hope he stays with us," Mateta told Sky Sports, emphasizing Guehi's value to the team.
Marc Guehi has been a Crystal Palace player since 2021, having joined from Chelsea. During his time at the club, he has developed into one of their most important players. The 25-year-old has made 161 appearances for Crystal Palace in all competitions, helping them secure their first FA Cup title in 2024-25 and the Community Shield this season.
If the match against Aston Villa turns out to be Guehi's last in a Crystal Palace shirt, he gave the fans a memorable farewell with an excellent curling goal into the top corner. It was also revealed that Six of Guehi’s seven Premier League goals have now come away from home, while his latest strike was his first in the top flight to come from eight yards out or further.
In regards to the fan support, Guehi said, “They mean a lot. I’m a South London boy. Captain of the football club from a young age. They have been fantastic for me and my family. So it’s definitely a pleasure to play for this football club. I don’t like the limelight too much. There’s a lot of cameras in my face all the time and constantly talking about me, but I’m lucky that I have a good club and team-mates around me. When you focus on what’s important, the football, it makes it a lot easier. I’m glad I’ve had my family around me, the football club, the staff. It’s good.”
Crystal Palace fans will be hoping that the club can resist any late offers for Guehi and keep him at Selhurst Park for the upcoming season. His leadership and quality are seen as vital for the team's chances of having a successful campaign, both domestically and in the Conference League.