Arsenal
Glasner Questions Palace Technique Whereas Reds Watch On
Within the hills of Austria, the place Crystal Palace put together for an additional Premier League marketing campaign, Oliver Glasner is already feeling the pressure. His squad is skinny, his phrases laced with frustration, and the looming presence of Liverpool circling Marc Guehi is just including to the stress.
“I used to be promised that we might be extra energetic and convey within the new gamers earlier this yr,” stated Glasner. That promise, it appears, stays unfulfilled. The Palace boss revealed he at the moment has simply 17 outfield gamers. “If that occurs and we get 4 new ones on deadline day like final yr, one other false begin is feasible.”
It’s a stark message from a supervisor who guided Palace to an FA Cup overcome Manchester Metropolis and a decent Twelfth-place end within the league. Now, although, as they put together for European competitors, the fear is whether or not the squad is powerful sufficient to compete on a number of fronts, particularly if Guehi goes.
Guehi Turns into Key Goal for Liverpool
Liverpool, in the meantime, are watching. The Anfield hierarchy is claimed to be monitoring Guehi’s scenario carefully, with the England defender getting into the ultimate yr of his contract. There are sturdy options that he doesn’t intend to increase his keep at Selhurst Park.
This makes him a perfect candidate for a membership searching for long-term defensive stability. Aged 25, with Premier League and worldwide expertise, Guehi suits the Liverpool mannequin. He was a starter in England’s Euro 2024 last defeat to Spain, and carries the kind of profile that fits Arne Slot’s reshaped defensive construction.
The Reds should not in panic mode, however they’re pragmatic. Jarell Quansah’s transfer to Bayer Leverkusen for £35 million leaves a niche, and with Ibrahima Konate getting into the ultimate yr of his contract and Joe Gomez choosing up a minor Achilles drawback, Guehi’s identify will keep within the body.
Slot Performs Down Urgency However Leaves Door Open
Slot, in usually measured style, instructed there isn’t any disaster at centre-back. After the 4-2 pre-season loss to AC Milan in Hong Kong, he stated: “I’m trying to my left (Virgil van Dijk) and I don’t suppose we’ve a priority at centre-back.”
He added that Ryan Gravenberch and Wataru Endo may cowl the place in a pinch, and famous that Gomez’s damage is minor. However he additionally acknowledged: “It’s true that Jarell Quansah left and we haven’t changed him but.”
That quiet admission is telling. Liverpool should not scrambling, however they’re calculating. Guehi, along with his contract working down, may change into the right worth acquisition.
Palace’s Summer season Stagnation May Value Them
For Palace, the priority isn’t just who may go away, however who may are available in. Solely Borna Sosa and Walter Benítez have arrived up to now, and Glasner’s tone makes it clear that extra is required.
Guehi’s departure would minimize deep. He’s the captain, a frontrunner on the again, and a logo of the membership’s current development. Shedding him wouldn’t simply be a loss in high quality, however in perception.
And Liverpool, in that acquainted, measured method, are watching quietly, prepared to maneuver if the second comes.
