Marc Guehi was a part of the Crystal Palace side that won the FA Cup trophy. (Photo by Tom Dulat/Getty Images)

Blow for Tottenham as English star turns down North London transfer

Originally posted on To The Lane And Back
By Rohan Sengupta | Last updated Jun 2, 2025 2:15 PM ET

Setback for Tottenham as Crystal Palace skipper Marc Guehi turns down move to N17

With Tottenham Hotspur booking their ticket to the Champions League for the next season, Daniel Levy can now shop for quality players and top talents in the transfer market.

If we take 2024/25 campaign into consideration, it has shown that the Lilywhites need for quality and depth in the current squad, especially given how Ange Postecoglou has struggled to play a side without making regular alterations. Central defence was the most affected position as far as the injury problems were concerned, and this in turn forced the Australian tactician to rely on makeshift solutions.

To address the loophole in the squad, Spurs signed Kevin Danso on loan from RC Lens during the January transfer window. The club announced on May 31 that Danso’s loan move has become permanent following an obligation clause. However, before the Austrian was signed, Daniel Levy attempted to sign Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi. The North Londoners’ eye-watering £70m bid for the defender was rejected by Crystal Palace on the January deadline day.

Spurs have retained their interest in Marc Guehi, who enjoyed another strong season with the Eagles. The England international was a part of the side that won the FA Cup by beating Manchester City in the final, even though he couldn’t play the full game following an eye injury. The central defender has entered the final year of his contract (Transfermarkt), and with him being hesitant to sign a new deal, this summer provides Palace’s best opportunity to cash in on their star defender.

However, Tottenham have suffered a blow in their pursuit of the Palace skipper. According to a report from Football Insider, Guehi has turned down a move to Spurs. Despite the North Londoners winning the Europa League and subsequently qualifying for the Champions League, the 24-year-old wants to join a club that will consistently challenge for major honours.

Guehi has established himself as one of the most reliable defenders in the Premier League in recent years, and thus, it is not surprising that he is on the radar of multiple leading top-flight clubs. The ex-Chelsea man has shown great leadership at Selhurst Park, and is now a Premier League-proven commodity who Tottenham wants.

Marc Guehi was a part of the Crystal Palace side that won the FA Cup trophy. (Photo by Tom Dulat/Getty Images)

After the England international’s snub, the aforementioned report adds Spurs will not take any further part in the race for his signature.

Guehi was viewed as the primary option to potentially replace Cristian Romero, who has been heavily linked with an exit from N17. Now, the Hotspur Way bosses have to change their plans and look for an alternative target, someone who fits the profile perfectly and has the qualities to make an immediate impact next season.

That said, it will be interesting to see where Daniel Levy and Co. turn their attention to in a bid to solve the club’s defensive conundrum.

This article first appeared on To The Lane And Back and was syndicated with permission.

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