Manchester United and Chelsea have been urged to consider big-money moves for England Euro 2024 star Marc Guehi this summer.
The Crystal Palace defender has been one of England’s most impressive players out in Germany, helping England concede just one goal in the group stage.
Guehi is only playing alongside John Stones in the heart of defence because of Harry Maguire’s injury setback but has more than justified his inclusion in the side.
The 23-year-old will hope to continue to impress on Sunday when England face Slovakia for a place in the quarter-finals.
Manchester United intend to sign a new centre-back this summer after Raphael Varane’s departure and former Old Trafford star Wes Brown has named Guehi as a possible target.
‘Marc Guehi deserves a special mention,’ Brown told Ladbrokes. ‘He’s been really good. There’s been one or two incidents where we’ve seen a slight lack in concentration.
‘I know what it’s like when you’re in his position, and in general, he’s been outstanding. I actually didn’t think he’d play… I thought Lewis Dunk might get the nod. But he’s been so solid at the back, and he definitely deserves recognition.
‘He fits right in alongside John Stones; he plays a little bit differently to Stones, but he’s so quick, and he’s strong. Where Stones is a little bit more elegant, and can bring the ball out, into midfield, Guehi just does the job.
‘And that’s what I want from a defender; I want him to just defend. The duo has worked really well. Guehi has been outstanding in any one-on-one situations… he’s handled business really well, and strikers have found it difficult against him.
‘I’m sure Marc Guehi will have added a few more million pounds onto his price tag off the back of the job he’s done for England so far in this tournament.
‘Plenty of big clubs – including Manchester United – have already been linked with him and it’s a shame – in a way – that no one’s done enough homework on him before this tournament, because to go and get him now, he’s going to be so expensive. It’s as simple as that.
‘United do need to buy this summer… as for how much they’ll be able to spend, that’s still a question I don’t know the answer to.
‘But in terms of Guehi, he’s certainly justified himself, when you look at how he’s performed and handled himself in this tournament.
‘International tournaments, like this, can help those bigger teams in identifying talent, because there’s a big question as to whether certain names can step up and deliver on the biggest stage, and Guehi has shown that he’s capable of doing that.’
Chelsea are also in need for defensive reinforcements following Thiago Silva’s emotional departure from Stamford Bridge and ex-Blues star Robert Huth believes Guehi would be ‘perfect’ for new boss Enzo Maresca.
The Three Lions defender actually began his professional career at Chelsea but only made two appearances for the club before being sold to Crystal Palace in 2021.
‘Marc Guehi has been outstanding. There’s not a lot not to like about his game. His positioning is excellent, he’s got an excellent turn of pace. He’s good on the ball, and he’s basically everything that you want in a centre back.
‘Maybe he could be a bit more physical, just in terms of being bigger, but I’ve not seen him struggle against anyone.
‘I’d be interested to see how they are going to go about it, because he would be perfect for Chelsea.’
