MARC GUEHI’S new Ivorian passport could spell an end to Chelsea and Newcastle’s pursuit.
Since Brexit, British players are now considered non-EU citizens, prompting Jude Bellingham to apply for an Irish passport ahead of his move to Real Madrid.
Guehi’s decision to renew his Ivorian passport which he qualifies for through his dad falls under the Cotonou Agreement.
This agreement allows players with African nationality to be regarded as Spanish nationals, giving them a distinct advantage for La Liga clubs.
Spanish sides are restricted to just three non-EU players in their matchday squads.
Guehi, 24, has just one year left on his deal with interest from Newcastle, Chelsea, and Tottenham.
But Real Madrid and Barcelona have also kept tabs on his progress – and the lure of a dream move to Spain could prove too much.
Chelsea have a sell-on clause that will allow them to get a fee for the defender they sold to the Eagles in 2021 and they wouldn’t want him to leave on a free.
Last summer, the Eagles turned down a fee reported to be in the region of £65million for the defender but with just a season left on his deal chairman Steve Parish has a decision to make.
Guehi, who was born in the Ivory Coast, moved to Lewisham when he was just one year old.
As with most kids with dual nationality, he could benefit from holding two passports.
Especially with Spanish teams limited to just three non-EU players in their matchday squads, this development could give him an edge if he decides to run down his contract and move to Spain next summer.
Palace signed Guehi from Chelsea for an initial £18million four years ago, and his rapid rise has seen him become a key figure.
The Eagles are well aware that he could move on, and they have a history of selling young talents for the right price.
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