Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish has warned the club may be forced to consider selling captain Marc Guéhi this summer if a new contract cannot be agreed.
Palace celebrated their second trophy in 86 days by beating Liverpool on penalties to lift the Community Shield at Wembley, a welcome moment amid an ongoing legal dispute with the Court of Arbitration for Sport over whether the club will play in the Europa League or Conference League this season. Parish said the uncertainty around Guéhi’s contract — he has one year left — puts the club in a difficult position if they risk losing a top player for nothing.
“Yes. I mean, we’d have to, of course,” Parish said when asked whether he would entertain offers for his skipper in the coming weeks. He emphasised the problem of letting high-calibre players leave on a free and recalled previous interest last summer and another bid in January, which Palace could not accommodate alongside other departures. Parish concluded that the situation requires either a new contract for Guéhi or a definitive conclusion before the window closes.
Liverpool are reported to be front-runners for the 25-year-old England defender. Guéhi was substituted late at Wembley with cramp, and his replacement — 21-year-old Northern Ireland international Justin Devenny — scored the decisive penalty in the shoot-out after the match finished 2-2 in normal time.
Manager Oliver Glasner says Palace still need at least two quality additions regardless of potential departures; other key players, including Eberechi Eze, have also been linked with big clubs. Parish acknowledged the “crazy” transfer fees and the club’s significant outgoings this year, underlining the need to make smart decisions about player sales and recruitment.
Comment and context
– From a sporting and financial perspective, clubs commonly sell players before they enter the final year of their contract to avoid losing them on a free transfer and to secure a fee that can be reinvested. Parish’s comments reflect that practical reality.
– Palace’s recent silverware and the emergence of young talent like Justin Devenny strengthen their bargaining position: the club can point to on-field success and squad depth when negotiating either a contract extension or a transfer fee.
– The outcome of the CAS decision on European competition could also affect Palace’s negotiating power and recruitment plans — European football usually helps clubs retain and attract players.
Short summary
Steve Parish admits Crystal Palace might have to sell captain Marc Guéhi this summer unless a new contract is agreed, with Liverpool reportedly interested. The admission comes after Palace won the Community Shield and while the club awaits a CAS ruling on its European status. Manager Oliver Glasner wants further reinforcements regardless of possible departures.
Hopeful angle
Palace’s recent trophies and the ability of young players like Justin Devenny to step up indicate the squad has resilience and potential. If a sale does occur, the club could reinvest in multiple areas to deepen the squad and aim higher in the league — turning a difficult negotiation into an opportunity for longer-term strengthening.