Adam Williams, the Head of Football Finance and Governance Content for GRV Media, provided insight into Steve Parish’s decision to consider selling Marc Guehi at Crystal Palace. Williams explained that despite claims of Palace being run sustainably, the club incurred a significant loss of £33 million at the operating level in the 2023/24 season, one of the worst in the Premier League. The owners injected nearly £100 million into the club from 2021 to 2024 to cover the losses and invest in the club’s sustainability, including the academy and stadium expansion.
Palace aims to make the club self-sustainable, and player trading is a crucial aspect of this strategy. Williams supported Parish’s decision to maximize Guehi’s value as a homegrown player and balance the need for a replacement, especially with European football aspirations. The rejection of Liverpool’s offer indicates that Palace is financially stable and not desperate for immediate cash flow.
Williams highlighted Palace’s financial strength, multiple co-owners with access to funds and expertise, making them an attractive investment according to industry insiders. Apart from Guehi, Palace must address other expiring contracts like Daichi Kamada, Jefferson Lerma, and potential extensions for players like Jean-Philippe Mateta.
As speculation surrounds Oliver Glasner’s contract and the potential for Steve Cooper to replace him, the club faces decisions on several other players including Naouirou Ahamada and Nathaniel Clyne, who also have contracts ending in June 2026.
