Could Crystal Palace be on the verge of losing their linchpin? Manager Oliver Glasner has made his feelings clear: captain Marc Guehi is ‘almost impossible’ to replace. With the transfer window ticking down and his contract expiring, will Guehi remain a Palace icon, or is a last-minute departure inevitable?

Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner has issued a resolute declaration regarding the future of his pivotal captain, Marc Guehi, firmly stating the England international “has to” remain at Selhurst Park. This assertive stance comes amidst the swirling vortex of football transfers, with the club’s leadership keen to maintain the integrity of their squad as the transfer window’s final hours approach.

Guehi’s importance to the Eagles cannot be overstated. He has consistently demonstrated his unwavering commitment, playing every minute of Crystal Palace’s Premier League and Conference League qualifiers this season. His presence in the defence provides a foundational stability that Oliver Glasner considers irreplaceable, a testament to his consistent performance and leadership qualities on the field.

Glasner articulated the immense challenge of finding a suitable replacement for a player of Guehi’s calibre within the current transfer landscape. He highlighted the near impossibility of securing a new defender who could immediately step into the rigours of the Premier League, perform consistently, and assume a starting role at Crystal Palace. The tight timeframe before the window closes exacerbates this predicament.

The contractual situation surrounding Marc Guehi, whose terms at Selhurst Park are set to expire next summer, has fueled much speculation. Despite reports linking him to top clubs, including Liverpool, Glasner confirmed that any potential deal would have materialized weeks ago if Guehi himself had signaled an intent to depart. This underscores the player’s agency and commitment to the club.

Remarkably, throughout what has been an uncertain summer for the 25-year-old, Guehi has maintained an unwavering focus on his responsibilities to Crystal Palace. Glasner praised his captain for consistently showing full commitment in every game, dispelling any doubts about his dedication despite the ongoing contract discussions and external pressures of football transfers.

Marc Guehi’s journey to becoming a crucial figure at Crystal Palace began after progressing through the Chelsea academy, joining the Eagles in 2021. Since then, he has amassed 160 appearances for the south London club, culminating in the significant achievement of captaining the side to their FA Cup final victory over Manchester City at Wembley in May, marking the club’s first major trophy in recent history.

In parallel to the Guehi situation, Crystal Palace has become increasingly active in the transfer market as the deadline looms. The club recently confirmed the signing of Matheus França and is reportedly close to securing teenage defender Jaydee Canvot from Toulouse. Furthermore, they are pursuing a loan deal for midfielder Jefferson Lerma from Atletico Madrid, reflecting a broader strategy to strengthen the squad.

Ultimately, Oliver Glasner’s insistence on Marc Guehi’s continued presence at Crystal Palace highlights the club’s strategic imperative to retain key talent. His leadership, Premier League experience, and defensive prowess are vital assets, and his potential departure would leave a void that would be exceedingly difficult for the Eagles to fill, making his retention a cornerstone of their ambitions for the upcoming season from Selhurst Park.