The transfer window is now closed and Crystal Palace have managed to keep hold of Marc Guehi.
After a chaotic deadline day in which Crystal Palace completed four transfer arrivals as well as some exits, the Eagles will feel they came out on top.
The arrivals of Eddie Nketiah and Maxence Lacroix in particular will please supporters with both waltzing straight into the starting line-up.
Most important of all though is Crystal Palace managed to keep Marc Guehi despite strong Newcastle interest.
Steve Parish was never going to sell Marc Guehi
Despite all the rumours, Oliver Glasner has confirmed that he was never in fear of losing Guehi this summer.
This despite Newcastle bidding as much as £65m to sign the England international – although Crystal Palace demanded £75m.
Now, it has been reported that Newcastle may have actually annoyed Steve Parish before they tried to sign Guehi – which won’t have helped negotiations.
According to Mail Online, Newcastle’s pursuit of Guehi was one which they agreed was their top target. Paul Mitchell had thought he had a good relationship with Parish and that it would help.
But when every failed offer found its way into the public domain, Newcastle became frustrated.
Now the Mail has reported why Parish was so hostile.
“Sources say Parish was enjoying it all the while. He was, it is claimed, extremely miffed by Newcastle’s approach for his sporting director Dougie Freedman in April.
“It is said that he felt Eales and Newcastle had gone behind his back. Freedman opted to stay — the salary on offer was said to be too low — and Mitchell was instead appointed in July.”
Freedman staying was a real highlight of the summer for the Eagles and no doubt played a part in how good this summer has been.
Crystal Palace now have immense centre-back options
When Joachim Andersen was sold to Fulham, there were some real concerns over the centre-back options at Oliver Glasner’s disposal.
This worry was made even more prevalent by Chadi Riad’s injury woes, which could keep him out for a short period.
But concerns are no more, with the Eagles signing both Lacroix and Trevoh Chalobah on deadline day – which gives the Eagles five solid central defenders.
Guehi, Lacroix and Chalobah are likely to be favoured in the starting line-up, but Chris Richards and Riad are also strong choices.
