Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner has praised Marc Guehi for showing “fantastic character” during Newcastle’s persistent pursuit of the England centre-back before the summer transfer window closes.
Glasner said Guehi is staying beyond the close of the summer transfer window on Friday evening despite numerous bids from the Magpies for the 24-year-old over the summer, culminating in a reported £70 million offer on Thursday – £5m short of Palace’s valuation.
“It was never really in doubt,” added Glasner, congratulating Palace for keeping one of the stars of England’s run to the final of Uefa Euro 2024 in July.
“Especially after the transfer of Joachim Andersen, it was very important that Marc stayed. Thank you to Marc. We always were close and talking a lot.”
Defeat at Selhurst Park.#CPFC // #CRYWHU pic.twitter.com/cvYGOHlEsL
— Crystal Palace F.C. (@CPFC) August 24, 2024
Guehi transfer: ‘Not pushing’
“All of the rumours didn’t influence his performance, mood, his professionalism. He always told me he is not pushing to leave Crystal Palace and, for me, that is the most important thing.
“Marc was not pushing to leave Crystal Palace. Marc told me very often and acted and showed his fantastic character.”
Austrian Glasner will not be adding to his squad in time for their game at Chelsea on Sunday (1.30pm BST) and will be without Chadi Riad after the defender was injured during his side’s 4-0 EFL Cup win at home to Norwich City on Tuesday.
“Signings are no gift for the manager,” observed Glasner. “Sometimes it’s necessary for the club and team.
We go again on Saturday 💪#CPFC pic.twitter.com/8bzcplN6TQ
— Crystal Palace F.C. (@CPFC) August 19, 2024
“No new player will be available before Sunday. [Riad is] a bit questionable. It looked bad and he was a bit stiff in his knee.
“His examinations were not so bad but not clear enough. We need to wait two weeks when the knee is a bit less swollen. It doesn’t look so serious.”
Crystal Palace results
Palace are one of five teams to have lost their first two Premier League games of the 2024-25 season.
The Eagles were beaten 2-1 at Brentford in their opener before West Ham won 2-0 at Selhurst Park on August 24.
