Crystal Palace has begun searching for a replacement for team captain, defender Marc Guéhi, as the latter is nearing his departure from the club after deciding not to renew his contract, which expires in the summer of 2026, according to British newspaper 'The Sun'.

Guéhi, who is 25 years old, was close to transferring to Liverpool during the last summer transfer window, but the deal fell through at the last moment. The player has the right to negotiate with any club starting from the upcoming winter transfer market, preparing for a free departure at the end of the current season.

The newspaper indicated that Crystal Palace's management has identified both Josh Achiembong, a defender from Chelsea, and Ousmane Diomande, a defender from Sporting Lisbon, as potential options to compensate for Guéhi's departure. Reports also highlighted interest from Real Madrid in the English defender, although no official offer has been made yet.

It is worth mentioning that Liverpool may change its stance on negotiating to purchase the remainder of Guéhi's contract next January after young Italian defender Giovanni Leonie suffered a torn ACL during the match against Southampton in the English League Cup, which could sideline him for up to a year, increasing the need to strengthen the defensive line.