Marc Guehi’s contract with Crystal Palace will officially expire at the end of the current season, making him a prime target for a host of clubs eyeing a free transfer. In recent weeks, Bayern Munich have been in close contact with the England international, with the Bundesliga giants viewing him as a potential replacement should Dayot Upamecano leave the club.
Guehi came close to joining Liverpool in the summer transfer window last year, but the deal collapsed on deadline day after Crystal Palace failed to secure a replacement for him. Despite the failed move, the centre-back has remained a model professional this season, consistently delivering top-tier performances for the Eagles. However, he has made it clear that he will not extend his contract with Palace, meaning the club will lose him on a free transfer.
Selling him at a discounted price in January is an option for Crystal Palace, and Manchester City are reportedly looking to capitalize on this situation. Sources close to BBC Sport claim that City are emerging as contenders to sign the Palace captain in the January window. With Josko Gvardiol and Ruben Dias sidelined due to injuries sustained in the draw against Chelsea, City are exploring the possibility of bringing in the England defender. Coupled with John Stones’ injury absence, Pep Guardiola’s side are facing a defensive shortage and could make a move for Guehi.
The Bundesliga heavyweights have no intention of signing Guehi in January. Instead, they are still hoping that he will see out the rest of the season at Crystal Palace, allowing them to snap him up on a free transfer in the summer. Manchester City’s intervention is now regarded as an unwelcome development for Bayern’s transfer plans. The reigning Bundesliga leaders are also focused on finalizing a contract extension with Upamecano, whose current deal has just a few months left to run.
After months of intense negotiations between the club and his agents, Upamecano is now edging closer to penning a new contract with Bayern. The French defender’s current deal expires at the end of the season, and several European clubs including Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid have expressed interest in signing him.
