Crystal Palace are planning to add a temporary replacement for Marc Guehi before the transfer window closes, according to journalist Bobby Manzi speaking on GIVEMESPORT’s Market Madness podcast.
With Guehi having completed his move to Manchester City earlier this week, the Eagles are understood to be targeting a centre-back on loan to cover the short term, before committing to a permanent successor in the summer.
A hectic finish to the January window is expected at Selhurst Park, with Palace also considering attacking reinforcements as uncertainty continues to surround Jean-Philippe Mateta’s future. The French striker has made it clear he wants to leave before the deadline and has attracted interest from clubs in Serie A.
Discussing Palace’s plans, Manzi revealed the club are monitoring several positions. While a right wing-back and a central midfielder have been discussed internally, replacing Guehi remains a priority, albeit not on a long-term basis just yet.
“They’ve looked at a right wing-back, but that’s gone quiet for now,” Manzi explained. “There’s also a scenario where they would like to bring in a central midfielder. When it comes to Marc Guehi, the idea at the moment is to secure a short-term loan to see them through until the summer, then move for a permanent replacement.”
Oliver Glasner has already reshaped his leadership group following Guehi’s departure. Dean Henderson has been named club captain, with Maxence Lacroix and Will Hughes appointed as his deputies. Henderson has been a regular presence under Glasner and wore the armband during last weekend’s 2-1 loss to Sunderland, which coincided with Guehi finalising his switch to City.
Results have been hard to come by for Palace of late, with the side now without a win in their last 10 matches in all competitions. They return to Selhurst Park this weekend to face Chelsea.
Attention is also turning to a possible replacement for Mateta should he depart before the deadline. Wolves striker Jorgen Strand Larsen remains on Palace’s radar, while Leeds United forward Joel Piroe has also emerged as a potential option.
The Eagles are believed to have made an enquiry about the 26-year-old Dutchman, who has struggled for minutes this season. Piroe has played just over 200 minutes of Premier League football, has not started a league match since August, and currently sits behind Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Felix Nmecha in Daniel Farke’s selection plans.