Crystal Palace are now considering a move for an “incredible” defender as a replacement for Marc Guehi, with the England international expected to leave on a free transfer.
Palace looking to sign Guehi replacement
Guehi came very close to signing for Liverpool at the end of the summer transfer window, but the move fell through at the last minute, with talkSPORT’s Alex Crook revealing that Oliver Glasner played a major role in preventing the deal going ahead.
Despite the centre-back’s move to the reigning Premier League champions breaking down, he hasn’t kicked up a fuss, which led to high praise from England manager Thomas Tuchel, who said: “He looks absolutely fine and impressive on the field. He has had a good couple of weeks behind him on the performance side.
“He has continued like that in camp and he handles it [the transfer situation] with respect and with a brilliant attitude.”
More recently, the 25-year-old once again underlined his importance to the Three Lions by putting in a very impressive performance against Wales, keeping a clean sheet and assisting his side’s opening two goals, which helped secure a 8.2 SofaScore match rating.
The Palace captain, who is regarded as one of the best defenders in the Premier League, continues to attract interest ahead of next summer, with Real Madrid recently being named as potential suitors.
According to a report from We Are Palace, Guehi is expected to leave on a free next summer, with Crystal Palace not even attempting to convince him to stay anymore, and a Ligue 1 defender has been identified as a potential replacement.
Indeed, Toulouse’s Charlie Cresswell is now being considered as an option, having impressed Palace scouts with his performances in Ligue 1 last season, making 31 appearances as his side went on to secure a 10th-placed finish.
Cresswell is accustomed to playing in a three-at-the-back formation, which means he could be an ideal fit in Glasner’s system, and he is thought to have significant potential.
"Incredible" Cresswell could be solid Guehi replacement
At just 23-years-old, the Toulouse defender is at a good age to be a long-term replacement for Guehi, and he evidently has the talent to be a success at Selhurst Park, having put in some very impressive performances for Toulouse over the past year.
Statistic
Average per 90
Blocks
1.72 (88th percentile)
Clearances
6.88 (89th percentile)
Aerials won
3.50 (96th percentile)
Once lauded as “incredible” by football scout Jacek Kulig, the Englishman was also a key player for the Three Lions as they went on to win the Under 21 European Championships in the summer, starting all six games.
Cresswell could be a fantastic signing for Palace, with it looking almost certain that Guehi will leave on a free transfer, but he is not the only exciting option on the shortlist, with West Ham United’s Max Kilman also recently being identified as a target.
