Marc Guéhi reflects on decision to leave Chelsea for Crystal Palace

Marc Guéhi had been a Chelsea player for two-thirds of his life, from 2007 to 2021, age 7 to age 21, but this summer he decided to fly the nest and begin life outside of the Chelsea system and the Loan Army. He had put in his time, spending the last 18 months on loan at Swansea City in the second division, and believed the was ready for the next step.

So far, that belief is proving very much correct and on point.

Guéhi did not take long at all to fit into manager Patrick Vieira’s plans at Crystal Palace, and has played every single Premier League minute thus far this season — though they’re still looking for their first win after back-to-back draws; this Saturday against Spurs would be a most ideal time to pick that up!

In addition, at the international level, Guéhi was named England U21 captain for Tuesday’s 2-0 win over Kosovo as well.

It’s early days, but it’s very promising early days indeed.

“It wasn’t an easy decision for me to leave Chelsea. I was at the club for so long - since I was seven years old. I am extremely grateful for everyone who has helped me get so far and it’s because of them that I’m here.

“[But] I felt like it was the right decision for me to move to Palace. I wanted to play regular football at a high level in the Premier League and test myself to see how far I can go. I think I will really improve myself.

“So looking at it that way, I think it was the right decision. My mentality is to get the most out of myself.”

-Marc Guéhi; source: Goal

While we do not have a buyback clause, we do reportedly have matching rights to any bid Palace may receive for Guéhi in the future, so perhaps we have not seen the last of him in Chelsea colors!