I’m Not Naive – Oliver Glasner Admits Marc Guehi Could Join Man City As Palace Set January Price

Crystal Palace head coach Oliver Glasner has openly admitted that club captain Marc Guehi could leave Selhurst Park this January, conceding that the lure of Manchester City and a “massive offer” may prove too strong to resist.

With Guehi entering the final six months of his contract, the Palace boss made it clear he is realistic about modern football economics, stressing that financial survival can sometimes outweigh sporting ambition.

The ‘Broken Window’ Reality

Speaking to reporters, Glasner used a vivid analogy to explain Palace’s dilemma over their star defender.

“Nothing in life is one-dimensional,” the Austrian said.
“Let’s say you have a nice car but you need money because it’s cold and a window at home is broken, and somebody offers you crazy money for your car.

“You don’t want to sell it. You love it. But you don’t want to freeze. So if the offer is big enough to fix the window and even put a new roof on the house, then you sell the car.”

Glasner then directly applied the analogy to Guehi’s situation.

“It’s the same with him. Everybody wants him to stay, sign a new contract and play for Crystal Palace forever.

“But if the contract ends in summer and somebody comes with a massive offer, there will be a moment where the financial issue becomes more important than the sporting issue.”

Palace Risk Losing Guehi For Free

Guehi is widely valued at around £50 million, but with his contract expiring in the summer, Palace face a critical decision:
sell now or risk losing their captain for nothing.

European giants such as Real Madrid and Bayern Munich could already negotiate a pre-contract agreement, while Premier League rivals would still need to pay a transfer fee this month.

That reality puts extra pressure on Palace’s hierarchy to act decisively.

Man City Interest Intensifies

Manchester City’s interest comes at a crucial time. Pep Guardiola is dealing with a defensive crisis following injuries to Josko Gvardiol and Ruben Dias, leaving the champions short of senior centre-backs.

A Premier League-proven defender like Guehi fits City’s immediate needs perfectly, and Glasner admits he understands the appeal.

“I’m not naive,” he said.
“If a massive offer comes from City and he wants to do it, it will happen.”

A Natural Career Progression

Glasner also acknowledged that elite players often outgrow their surroundings.

“If a player feels too good for a club, it is better to sell him,” he explained.
“And if a player is not good enough, you also have to sell him. To get the best out of your squad, it must be a match.”

When asked whether Manchester City represents such a “match” for Guehi, Glasner’s response was telling.

“It could be.”

What Happens Next?

With Liverpool, Manchester City, and European heavyweights circling, Palace’s resolve will be tested in the coming weeks. If the right number lands on the table, Glasner has made it clear: sentiment will not stand in the way.

January could define Crystal Palace’s future — financially and competitively.

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