The Marc Guehi rumor has persisted despite reports that it was “close” on Monday. Sky Sports said on Friday that Crystal Palace had rejected our second bid, which was estimated to be worth £50 million.
It begs the question of where the truth lies, especially as Eddie Howe came off as sincere when he told the media on Thursday morning that he had no idea what was going on.
Naturally, Eddie could know more than he said, and I have no doubt that the next days will bring to light something that will either excite or appall our supporters. But I’m still confused about Malick Thiaw, another long-term target, and Palace’s alleged asking price—Howe just expressed gratitude for Thiaw last week.
To be clear, I would really like Guehi to show up. He is a proven Premier League player who can play both left and right. He is also a good age (24), a great character, and would give our center backs some much-needed athleticism. However, at £65 million, it seems expensive, and you have to wonder what a club record fee like this would do to our transfer budget, PSR, and chances of acquiring a right winger this summer.
Others are optimistic that it will happen, but there is some concern that it has taken all week. This makes me question whether, should Palace refuse to drop their demands for £65 million, a move for Malick Thiaw may be reconsidered.
Keith Downie of Sky Sports disclosed at the end of July that AC Milan is requesting €40 million (£34 million) for the 23-year-old German, which means that he could potentially cost a staggering £31 million less than what Palace is asking for Guehi. Is that a better deal that releases the capital needed to acquire a top right-wing player and better value for money?
Newcastle will have a plan, but I worry about us and the possible reaction if the excitement around Guehi’s arrival is matched by intense irritation that we can no longer afford to get an upgrade for Miguel Almiron, who is undoubtedly our top priority going into the summer.
During these deliberations a new name jumped out to me. Feyenoord’s Lutsharel Geetruda; a versatile Dutchman who is 23, comfortable playing at right-sided centre-back or right back and expected to leave for a cut-price fee now he’s out of contract next summer. This is all very hypothetical at this point, but he’s been linked before, ticks plenty of boxes and his versatility could be key should Kieran Trippier leave, as he could not only compete with Fabian Schar but offer another option alongside Tino Livramento.
I hope my misgivings about the Guehi trade are unfounded, and maybe by this time next week, I’ll be giddy about his debut in a Toon shirt. However, I do wonder how this may affect our quest for a right-winger; if Palace won’t give in, Thiaw would make more sense.
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