
Anfield Index
·19 August 2025
Delaney: Palace Target French Youngster As Guehi Replacement

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Yahoo sportsAnfield Index
·19 August 2025
Crystal Palace continue to deliberate over Marc Guehi’s future amid interest from Liverpool, with the London club prepared to consider Rennes defender Jeremy Jacquet as a potential replacement.
Palace are open to selling Guehi this summer, according to Miguel Delaney, mindful that his current deal expires next year, but negotiations with Liverpool have reached an impasse. Discussions remain ongoing, yet there is a notable difference in valuation. Liverpool have indicated they will not exceed £35 million, while Palace are seeking closer to £45 million.
The gap in figures complicates any progress, particularly given that Rennes would expect around £35 million to sanction the departure of Jacquet.
Jeremy Jacquet, 20, has steadily emerged as one of France’s most promising young defenders. Having developed in Bondy — the Paris suburb renowned for producing elite footballers — he has been on the radar of several clubs across Europe.
Jacquet’s performances at the under-19 European Championship last summer earned him a place in the tournament’s team of the competition, with France reaching the final. He subsequently impressed on loan at Clermont, where he adapted quickly to senior football and established himself as a reliable central defender.
Seen as a long-term investment, Jacquet fits the model of a young, progressive centre-back capable of stepping into the Premier League should Guehi depart.
Liverpool remain interested in bolstering their defensive options, but the sticking point is financial. Sources close to discussions indicate that Liverpool’s recruitment team are reluctant to meet Palace’s asking price, pointing to their broader transfer strategy this summer.
For Palace, however, the valuation of Guehi is non-negotiable. Losing him for a reduced fee next summer would be costly, but the club are also wary of accepting less than what they believe represents his market worth. The situation is finely balanced, with Jacquet’s availability acting as both a potential solution and an additional complication.
Despite the speculation, Oliver Glasner has been clear about the professionalism shown by Guehi and his teammates. Speaking after Palace’s recent Premier League draw with Chelsea, the manager underlined their ongoing commitment.
“There has been a lot of discussion about certain players,” Glasner said. “But their performances showed they are fully aligned with the team and the club. They train with full commitment, and that is reflected in matches. For me, that is what matters most.”
While Palace continue to navigate this period of uncertainty, the clarity of their stance suggests any eventual decision will be measured carefully, balancing immediate squad strength with long-term planning.