Newcastle United spent much of the summer transfer window trying to secure Marc Guehi’s signature, but it’s a transfer saga that many fans and club officials are eager to put behind them.
After joining the club in July, sporting director Paul Mitchell was tasked with recovering from the sales of Elliot Anderson and Yankuba Minteh, which were made to avoid a PSR punishment.
Marc Guehi was Eddie Howe’s primary target during the summer as Newcastle sought to strengthen their squad in the face of long-term injuries to Sven Botman and Jamaal Lascelles, who has yet to return to the first-team squad.
Despite several bids exceeding £70 million, Crystal Palace rejected all offers, and Guehi remains with the club. Mitchell was confident in securing the defender, but ultimately, he was left disappointed.
Recent reports suggest Newcastle will continue to monitor Guehi’s situation in January, evaluating whether they can match any bids for the 24-year-old.
A new report has revealed Guehi’s wage demands, which are significant.
Marc Guehi demands to be Newcastle’s highest earner
Newcastle are cautious about spending in January due to ongoing PSR concerns, and this has already led to missing out on other targets.
According to the Daily Mail, Guehi is seeking wages of around £170,000 per week. If Newcastle were to sign him, he would become the club’s highest-paid player, surpassing Bruno Guimaraes, who currently earns £160,000 per week.
The report also indicates that Crystal Palace is asking for a fee of approximately £60 million for Guehi. Chelsea are considered the favorites to sign him and are reportedly considering offering Trevoh Chalobah as part of the deal.
Additionally, Chelsea may receive a discount due to the 20% sell-on clause they hold for Guehi, who left the club for Palace in 2021.
If Newcastle wants to secure a deal for Guehi, it’s clear they must reconsider their stance on spending.
Newcastle’s defense isn’t a priority right now
Although acquiring Guehi was a priority in the summer, that’s no longer the case in January. The disappointment of missing out on Guehi has been alleviated by Fabian Schar’s impressive form this season.
Schar, whose contract expires at the end of the season, is still a key figure, and Howe is eager to keep him at the club. Currently, Newcastle’s focus is on strengthening their attack.
The club is looking to sign a striker and a winger to provide more options, particularly with Alexander Isak’s potential injury concerns and Miguel Almiron’s impending move to Atlanta United, which leaves them short on the right wing.
While Guehi would undoubtedly be a strong addition to Newcastle’s squad, there are more affordable alternatives available.
Report: £60m star wants more money than any Newcastle player if he was to join
