Marc Guéhi has explained why his move to Crystal Palace felt like the right step, revealing that two players already at the club played a key role in convincing him to join—despite interest from Liverpool at the time.
The England defender was one of the most talked-about young centre-backs in the country when he prepared to leave Chelsea in 2021. Liverpool were among the sides linked, with Jürgen Klopp known to be watching the market for defensive options. In the end, Guéhi chose Selhurst Park, completing a permanent switch that quickly proved to be a turning point in his career.
Speaking about that decision, Guéhi said the presence of Eberechi Eze and Michael Olise helped sway him. The pair, who were already making an impact at Palace, spoke highly of the club and its direction. Guéhi admitted their input gave him confidence that he would be joining a dressing room with quality and ambition, not just a place to get minutes.
At the time, Palace were building under Patrick Vieira and looking to reshape the squad with younger players. Guéhi arrived alongside other additions in that window, but his immediate influence stood out. He became a starter almost straight away and has since developed into one of the Premier League’s most reliable defenders, earning regular England call-ups and growing into a leadership role.
Guéhi’s comments also underline how player-to-player conversations can matter just as much as talks with agents or managers. While Liverpool’s interest carried obvious appeal, the pathway at Palace looked clearer—and with Eze and Olise pushing the project, he felt he could progress faster and play a major role.
The decision has paid off. Guéhi has been central to Palace’s development over the past few seasons and remains a player watched closely by top clubs. But he made it clear that, when he had a major choice to make, it was the belief and influence of two teammates that helped him settle on Palace over Liverpool.
