The brilliant Nemanja Matić trick that Chelsea can repeat to land £70m defender ahead of Newcastle

Marc Guehi’s rise to prominence in the Premier League with Crystal Palace has been nothing short of exceptional. Since joining the Eagles, the 24-year-old has established himself as one of the most reliable and composed defenders in the league. Guehi is well-versed in the demands of Premier League football and has adapted quickly to its physicality and intensity. He’s also become an integral part of England’s back line, and played an invaluable role in their push to the Euro 2024 final.

At Chelsea, he struggled to break into the first team, but his loan spells at Swansea proved invaluable in helping him learn what it takes to be a top defender. His time at Palace has allowed him to flourish, showcasing his leadership, positional awareness, and ability to read the game. For Chelsea, bringing back a player they first sold is not new. They previously sold Nemanja Matic to Benfica and then re-signed him when he was in his prime, and he went on to win two Premier League titles with the Blues.

Chelsea are currently in need of one of Guehi’s key qualities: leadership. Although still young, the former Chelsea academy product has often been tasked with captaining Crystal Palace in the absence of more experienced players. His ability to marshal the defence, communicate effectively with his teammates, and remain composed under pressure speaks to his maturity beyond his years.

With Chelsea having parted ways with senior figures like Thiago Silva and Raheem Sterling, they need someone who can bring experience and stability to the team. Given Guehi’s immense stature for both club and country, he could be the big-name defender they bring in to solidify their squad.

Beyond that, his intelligence in reading the game allows him to make key interceptions, clearances, and recoveries at critical moments. He’s also comfortable with the ball at his feet, capable of playing out from the back, a skill Chelsea need to complement their possession-based style.

While Guehi’s time at Chelsea was relatively short, he was still an important figure in the club’s youth setup. His development within the Chelsea academy means that he already has a strong understanding of the club’s values, culture, and style of play. As a result, the transition back to Stamford Bridge would likely be smoother for Guehi than for a player coming from outside the club entirely.

In terms of transfer value, Guehi represents an affordable but highly promising option compared to some of the more established names in the market. At just 24 years old, with proven Premier League experience, Guehi has the potential to become one of the top centre-backs in the country over the next decade.

His market value would likely be lower than some of the more high-profile options, which makes him an appealing target for Chelsea, a club that has spent heavily in recent windows but will need to be more strategic with its finances moving forward.

For Chelsea, this is a no-brainer. Newcastle were willing to go all out for the England defender for a reason, and they will likely reignite their interest in the summer. However, if it were a straight fight between Chelsea and Newcastle, it would be Chelsea’s to lose.