Newcastle dealt blow as Premier League rivals secure deal for Crystal Palace defender: report

Newcastle United's disappointing summer transfer window is showing no signs of improvement as the club faces a setback in their pursuit of a crucial transfer target.

The Magpies began the summer wrestling with their Profit and Sustainability (PSR) position, with the sales of Elliot Anderson to Nottingham Forest and Yankuba Minteh to Brighton & Hove Albion, plus the compensation package from Manchester United for sporting director Dan Ashworth helping the club meet their obligations. 

In terms of incoming players, Lewis Hall has joined on a permanent deal following last season’s loan spell from Chelsea, while goalkeeper Odysseas Vlachodimos has joined from Nottingham Forest and striker William Osula has been signed from Sheffield United. Lloyd Kelly and John Ruddy have joined on free transfers, but the club’s priority has been a new centre-back.

VIDEO How Arne Slot Has ALREADY Transformed Liverpool

Crystal Palace and England defender Marc Guehi has been their number one target, but after seeing the 24-year-old impress with the Three Lions at Euro 2024, the Eagles have dug their heels in, knocking back three bids and insisting his £65million valuation is met.

Newcastle’s need for a new central defender is even more pressing after Fabian Schar was sent off against Southampton this weekend, further exposing the team’s lack of depth in the position, but the latest transfer development at Palace may well mean the team has to look elsewhere.

According to The Athletic, Fulham have reached an agreement in principle with the Eagles to sign centre-back Joachim Anderson for a fee of around £30million, further reducing the chances of Palace letting Guehi go. Anderson spent the 2020/21 season on loan at Fulham from Lyon, before moving to Selhurst Park in the summer of 2021 for a free of £18million and was a key player last season.

Get FourFourTwo Newsletter

The best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week.

Contact me with news and offers from other Future brandsReceive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsorsBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.

For Newcastle, it means the club will now have to look at alternative targets, with The Athletic adding that the club are in talks with Bayer Leverkusen over a move for Edmond Tapsoba and have expressed an interest in Chelsea defender Axel Disasi.

In FourFourTwo’s opinion, it’s time for Newcastle to move on from Guehi. Palace have raised plenty of funds this summer following the sale of Michael Olise and the fact that they are willing to let Anderson depart means they clearly do not envisage a future without Guehi.

The Magpies will no doubt have a long list of targets and if they are to look to Europe, they may be able to land a cheaper player and avoid the ‘English player tax’ that would come with Guehi’s signing. Time is not on their side, given we are in the final ten days of the window, but the interest in Disasi is noteworthy as we know that Chelsea are desperate to reduce the size of their squad before the August 30 deadline.

More Newcastle United stories

Newcastle line up stunning move for Premier League champion: report

Newcastle United learn new asking price for Liverpool defender amid Marc Guehi failings: report

‘I was hoping for a Manchester City win in the FA Cup final, but with no European football this season, Newcastle can challenge for the Champions League again’: Harvey Barnes gives his verdict on 2024/25