Journalist confirms Crystal Palace are seeking short term Guehi replacement options

Crystal Palace Seek Marc Guehi Replacement as January Plans Accelerate

Crystal Palace’s January window has taken on added urgency following the departure of Marc Guehi, with the club now focused on securing a short-term solution before turning to a permanent successor in the summer. Journalist Bobby Manzi has revealed on GIVEMESPORT’s Market Madness podcast that Palace are actively targeting a loan signing at centre-back to stabilise the squad in the immediate term.

The Selhurst Park side are reportedly looking to sign a new centre-back on loan this month, before pursuing a permanent Marc Guehi replacement once the season concludes. With Guehi having completed his move to Manchester City this week, Palace are now faced with both a leadership void and a structural gap in the heart of defence.

This approach reflects a club attempting to balance realism with ambition. Rather than rushing into a costly long-term commitment mid-season, Palace appear prepared to use the loan market to buy time, assess options, and make a more considered investment in the summer window.

Loan Strategy to Cover Guehi Exit

Speaking on the Market Madness podcast, Bobby Manzi outlined Palace’s current thinking and the likelihood that any Marc Guehi replacement arriving this month will be a temporary fix.

“They are looking at a right wing-back, but that’s kind of gone very quiet at the moment. There’s a world where they like to bring a central midfielder in as well.

“And of course, they’ve got to replace Mark Guehi, but my understanding at the moment, on that front, is that they’re looking at short-term loan options to get them through to the summer, before then signing a Marc Guehi replacement in the summer.”

That strategy points to a cautious but deliberate stance. Palace’s recruitment team appear unwilling to be forced into overpaying in January, particularly for a position as important as centre-back. A loan deal offers flexibility and reduces risk, while allowing Oliver Glasner to assess what profile of defender best suits his tactical framework.

Photo: IMAGO

Leadership Changes at Selhurst Park

Guehi’s exit has also triggered a reshuffle in leadership within the squad. Glasner has confirmed that goalkeeper Dean Henderson has been appointed as Palace captain, with Maxence Lacroix and Will Hughes named as vice-captains.

This change is more than symbolic. Henderson’s elevation suggests a desire for authority from the back, particularly at a time when defensive solidity has been lacking. Lacroix’s inclusion also hints at the club’s belief that he can grow into a more prominent role, especially with a Marc Guehi replacement not yet secured on a permanent basis.

Leadership stability will be vital as Palace attempt to navigate a difficult period on the pitch. The absence of a natural defensive leader like Guehi places greater responsibility on the remaining senior figures to organise, communicate, and steady a back line that has looked vulnerable.

Results Pressure and Transfer Context

Palace have endured a disappointing run of results under Glasner, failing to win their last 10 games across all competitions. That sequence has increased scrutiny on both performances and recruitment, with supporters eager to see signs of direction as well as resilience.

Chelsea’s visit to Selhurst Park on Saturday adds further pressure. Facing one of the league’s most expensively assembled squads, Palace will be acutely aware that structural weaknesses at centre-back could be exposed again without reinforcement.

Beyond defence, Palace are also preparing for potential movement in attack. The club are lining up options in case of a late departure for Jean Philippe Mateta, with Wolves striker Jorgen Strand Larsen still of interest. Leeds forward Joel Piroe has also emerged as a possible target, with limited league starts under Daniel Farke this season.

These parallel strands highlight how Palace’s January business is interconnected. A Marc Guehi replacement is the priority, but squad balance across multiple areas remains under review.

Bobby Manzi Insight Shapes Palace Direction

Bobby Manzi’s update offers a clear snapshot of Palace’s thinking. The emphasis on short-term cover now, followed by a permanent Marc Guehi replacement in the summer, suggests a club trying to avoid panic while acknowledging the scale of the loss.

For Palace, the next few days will be crucial. Securing the right loan signing could stabilise the defence and give Glasner a platform to rebuild confidence. Failing to do so would risk extending a difficult run and increasing pressure on both players and coaching staff.

The summer will bring a fuller reset. For now, the focus is survival, structure, and ensuring that the gap left by Guehi does not define the remainder of the campaign.