Conspiracy theories, four-hour long talks and a £75million price tag – the Marc Guehi transfer saga was an exhausting one.
In the eyes of many, Crystal Palace emerged victorious from the arduous affair as they successfully resisted Newcastle’s advances for a player handed the Eagles captaincy over the summer.
In the fullness of time, however, Palace’s refusal to sanction Guehi’s exit may yet bite them in the backside. Financially, at least.
Having kept the 23-year-old, Palace are now expected to begin the dance of persuading Guehi into signing a new contract.
Any offer would include a big pay rise for a player who emerged as one of England‘s stars of Euro 2024.
Newcastle endured a difficult summer transfer window where they didn’t achieve their aims – including securing Palace’s Marc Guehi (right)
The London club were able to keep hold of the England defender despite interest from their Premier League rivals (pictured centre: Palace chairman Steve Parish)
Mail Sport’s Sami Mokbel has launched a new weekly column covering the biggest news in football
It would also very likely include a release clause of between £60m-£70m.
But all the early indications are that Guehi would have reservations about signing an extension. Palace have certainly been offered no assurances that he is currently willing to do so.
Guehi is in a strong position. With under two years left on his deal, the prospect of securing a money-spinning Bosman transfer is on the horizon. Why would he give that up?
At a cut price fee, many of the Premier League’s top clubs will view Guehi as a golden opportunity.
Manchester City, for example, have already checked on how Guehi’s future may develop.
And ultimately, the centre-back’s desire to play Champions League football will emerge as a pivotal factor in how Guehi evaluates his future. So, too, will playing for a team in which he is a regular.
If the option of joining a club that presents him with the chance of fulfilling those ambitions arises, then he may find it too difficult to turn down, no matter how attractive and lucrative a free transfer may seem.
The price at which Palace would be willing to sell Guehi will also be key. A deal of around £50million would be optimum for Palace next summer.
Newcastle had to grapple with a boardroom fallout that led to Amanda Staveley and husband Mehrdad Ghodoussi selling their six per cent share and leaving the club (pictured earlier this year)