Marc Guehi could be leaving Crystal Palace this summer following his superb displays for England at UEFA Euro 2024.
The £18m Crystal Palace defender was fantastic for the Three Lions as Gareth Southgate led England to the final in Berlin – with The Sun even claiming that Real Madrid and Arsenal are on red alert, as he hesitates over signing a new contract at Selhurst Park.
Of course, no Crystal Palace fan wants to sell Marc Guehi this summer, but with only 24 months left on his contract, Steve Parish and Dougie Freedman might cash in now if the man from Abidjan informs them he won’t pen a fresh deal.
If that does happen, there is no need to sign a replacement…
Crystal Palace have already signed Marc Guehi replacement
Crystal Palace already have an ideal Guehi replacement in Jefferson Lerma.
The Colombia international – who Crystal Palace signed for free in June 2023 – might struggle for regular starts in midfield next season as Cheick Doucoure returns to full fitness, while Adam Wharton has made himself an undroppable figure under Oliver Glasner.
However, Lerma – who finished second in the Crystal Palace Player of the Season voting last term – is too talented to be left out completely, so we believe he should be used in defence if Guehi leaves.
The South American made three appearances as a central defender last season when the Crystal Palace No.6 was sidelined through injury, and delivered some impressive performances in that position, notably shining as we recorded a 1-0 win over Liverpool at Anfield.
Lerma’s aggressiveness in the tackle and immense leap make him a highly effective presence at the back, while he also possesses the passing ability to play out from defence like Guehi.
Dougie Freedman does not need to find a replacement regardless
Even if Glasner does not see Lerma as being capable of playing in defence for an entire season, Freedman doesn’t need to sign a replacement for Guehi anyway.
We already had Rob Holding in reserve to step in, and that was before £15m was spent to sign Chadi Riad from Real Betis, so there is a good amount of depth in that area, regardless of Guehi staying or going.
Therefore, if we do lose the 23-year-old this summer, it would not be likely to cause major upheaval in defence for Crystal Palace.
