Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish admits the club may be forced to sell captain Marc Guehi this summer, in order to avoid losing him on a free transfer at the end of the 2025/26 Premier League season.
The England international is entering the final year of his five year contract, with no movement toward extension at Selhurst Park.
Parish said: "For players of that calibre to leave on a free, it's a problem for us unfortunately. Joachim [Andersen] went [to Fulham last summer] and we couldn't afford to lose both."
Palace rejected bids of up to £65 million from Newcastle during the January transfer window, but now will be open to bids with Liverpool looking like the front runners for the 25-year-old.
The South London club are looking for around £40 million for Guehi, but Liverpool reportedly do not want to pay the asking price.
Parish's comments came after Palace beat Liverpool 3-2 on penalties in the Community Shield Cup at Wembley on August 10.
The news also comes with Palace's appeal rejection by the Court of Abritrattion for Sport against their demotion from the Europa League by UEFA, due to breaches in multi-club ownership rules.
Palace were awarded their Europa League spot when they won the 2025 FA Cup, after beating Manchester City 1-0.
📲 Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp
Will clubs pay for Guehi or wait for a free transfer in 2026?
Palace have not done a great deal of business over the summer transfer window, which manager Oliver Glasner has criticised.
They've made just two signings and are still lacking around "15 or 16 players", according to Parish.
Nine players have already departed the club this window through permanent deals or loans. Now the club could be adding Guehi to the list.
He joined Palace for a reported £18 million in 2021, but is now being valued by the club at £40 million.
With just one year remaining on his contract, it's a doubt whether clubs will bid for the centre-back and instead wait for next summer's window to get him for free.
Whilst Liverpool have shown interest, Newcastle could also be one to watch. Having bid previously and losing out to various players this summer, Guehi could be considered by Newcastle again.
Palace have confirmed they would entertain bids.
Crystal Palace news & related links
CAS upholds UEFA ruling: Crystal Palace demoted to Europa Conference League
- Henderson Palace's Wembley hero again as Eagles bring Liverpool to earth