Crystal Palace's triumph over Liverpool in the Community Shield at Wembley has been overshadowed by chairman Steve Parish's revelation that the club may need to part with captain Marc Guehi before the transfer window closes.
The Eagles secured their second trophy under Oliver Glasner through a penalty shootout victory, with 21-year-old Justin Devenny scoring the decisive spot-kick after the match ended 2-2.
Parish made his admission about Guehi's future immediately following the victory, acknowledging that allowing the England defender to depart without a transfer fee would pose significant problems for the south London club.
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Getty | Steve Parish admitted Crystal Palace star Marc Guehi could leave before the end of the transfer window
Parish confirmed that Palace would need to consider offers for their captain, stating: "We'd have to do that, of course. For players of that calibre to leave on a free, it's a problem for us unfortunately."
The chairman revealed that Newcastle United submitted a £65 million offer in January, which Palace rejected after Joachim Andersen's departure to Fulham left them unable to lose both defenders.
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An earlier bid had also been turned down the previous summer.
Parish emphasised that the situation requires either a contract extension or some form of resolution, adding: "We'll just have to see what happens. But, you know, it needs a new contract or a conclusion of some kind."
It comes amid more sorry news for Palace after the Court of Arbitration of Sport rejected their appeal to stay in the Europa League.
It means the Eagles will play in the Europa Conference League this season instead, with Nottingham Forest taking their place in UEFA's secondary competition.
The 25-year-old defender has entered the final twelve months of his contract at Selhurst Park, with reports suggesting he would be willing to remain until 2026 before leaving without a transfer fee.
Liverpool maintain their interest in the England international, though it's uncertain whether Arne Slot's team will invest substantially in a player potentially available for nothing next year.
Newcastle United also continue to monitor the situation after their unsuccessful January pursuit.
During Sunday's Community Shield final, Guehi played until late in stoppage time before being substituted due to cramp.
His replacement, Northern Ireland international Justin Devenny, went on to convert the winning penalty in the 3-2 shootout victory.
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PA | Marc Guehi could leave Crystal Palace before the end of the transfer window
Palace's transfer activity this summer has been minimal, with only Argentine goalkeeper Walter Benitez from PSV Eindhoven and Croatian defender Borna Sosa from Ajax joining for a combined £2 million.
Manager Oliver Glasner has expressed frustration about the lack of reinforcements, whilst Parish acknowledged the financial constraints facing the club.
"The money at every football club is finite at some point. We will do what we can, try and help where we can," Parish explained.
He described transfer fees as "crazy" and "just nuts", noting that attracting players of sufficient quality remains challenging. The chairman also mentioned potential interest from Arsenal in midfielder Eberechi Eze.
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