Oliver Glasner hints at a quick winter departure for Marc Guéhi. The Englishman is also the subject of intense interest from FC Bayern. Will the Munich club make a move in January?
Oliver Glasner’s statements have caused a stir in the world of transfers – and they have also been closely noted at Säbener Straße. The Crystal Palace coach has openly admitted that Marc Guéhi could leave earlier than previously assumed. For FC Bayern, this is a development that should at least be closely monitored
It was long thought that Guéhi would leave Crystal Palace in the summer at the earliest. His transfer to Liverpool FC was already negotiated on deadline day last summer, but fell through at the last minute due to the Eagles‘ inability to sign a replacement. Guéhi stayed – professionally, efficiently and without visible frustration
Glasner puts Palace plans into perspective – Bayern are listening
Until recently, many assumed that Palace would be able to keep the 25-year-old at least until the end of the season. Glasner’s latest statements, however, paint a different picture. The Austrian made it clear that economic factors will eventually outweigh sporting ones when a contract expires. Should a big offer come on the table and Guéhi himself push for a move, a sale would be almost impossible to prevent. „The fact is that the contract expires in the summer, and if someone comes in now, there will be a moment when the club says: ‚Now the financial benefit is more important than the sporting benefit‘.“
It is precisely this openness that changes the situation – also from FC Bayern’s point of view. The Munich club have been scouring the market for months for options in central defense and had Guéhi on their radar for some time. The England international has exactly the profile that is valued in Munich: leadership, pace, strength in tackles and international experience
Guéhi and Bayern: unrealistic – or an option after all?
Although clubs such as Manchester City and Real Madrid are regarded as prominent competitors, a possible winter or summer transfer is no longer just a theoretical thought. City are pressing ahead due to injury worries in defence, while Real Madrid are still hesitant according to the Spanish media
This creates an interesting constellation for FC Bayern. With the imminent contract extension of Dayot Upamecano, the Munich club would have clarified an important personnel issue, but the long-term squad planning in central defence is still not complete. Minjae Kim is still considered a candidate for sale and this is exactly where a player like Guéhi could fit the profile
An immediate move by Bayern is not considered likely, but it cannot be ruled out either. If Palace are indeed prepared to sell on more moderate terms in the winter, this would present Max Eberl and Christoph Freund with a strategic opportunity. Especially as Guéhi is already captain despite his age and brings leadership qualities to the table – a factor that is traditionally rated highly in Munich
One thing is clear: Oliver Glasner has opened the door with his statements.