It was a dramatic day at Selhurst Park as Glasner broke the news to his team on Friday morning. His departure has ensured that he is on Manchester United’s shortlist. Glasner expressed his desire for a “new challenge” ahead of Palace’s game against Sunderland on Saturday, shortly after the club announced they had reached an agreement for Gehi to join City.
City manager Josep Guardiola is keen to sign Guehi to strengthen his defensive options, but the deal is a shock considering the centre-half only has six months left in his current term and could be signed on a free transfer this summer.
City are paying £20m, with the package potentially rising to £30m, but the figure is likely to be even higher as it is largely structured around performance-related bonuses and achievements.
Guehi, 25, secured a big-money contract thought to be worth around £300,000-a-week as City realized Arsenal, Liverpool and Bayern Munich were monitoring his situation and he could demand big wages as a free agent.
However, Glasner insisted that Guehi’s departure had nothing to do with his departure, and revealed that Guehi, who led the club to FA Cup success last season, had already informed chairman Steve Parish several months ago that he would be leaving at the end of his contract.
“My decision had already been made several months ago. I met with Steve over dinner during an international vacation in October,” Glassner said.
“I told him that I would not be signing a new contract with Crystal Palace. At the time we agreed that it was best for this contract to remain between us. I told the team the same thing today. I think it is important to be clear. I have not spoken to any other clubs.”
Glasner admitted the dressing room was “surprised” that Guehi had chosen to leave after his deadline day transfer to Liverpool fell through last summer, and confirmed he would not be in the squad for the game against Sunderland.
“If the players want to leave, the deal will happen, and now it looks like it’s happened. Everyone wanted Marc Gehi to stay permanently,” Glasner said.
“I wish him the best for the rest of his career. He’s still at the beginning of a great career. He’s a great guy.”
Glasner also warned that Manchester United and Chelsea have been rumored to be interested in the player, and that French striker Mateta could leave the club if offers are received but new terms cannot be agreed.
Glassner added: “It’s the same thing. There will be a price for Crystal Palace to say, ‘You have 18 months left on your contract, but if JP wants it, we’ll do it.’ If no one pays this price, JP will remain. ”
