Chelsea reportedly have a clause inserted in Marc Guehi's transfer deal to Crystal Palace that could see the England defender return to Stamford Bridge in the summer of 2023.
Guehi opted to leave the Blues at the end of last season, joining Patrick Vieira's project at Selhurst Park, and has impressed in the process. His performances in 2021-22 have seen him rise to prominence and he was selected in Gareth Southgate's latest England squad for friendlies with Switzerland and Ivory Coast.
The 21-year-old has made 28 Premier League appearances this season, missing only the 3-0 defeat to Tottenham on Boxing Day, and scored twice in the process. He played the entire 90 minutes as the Three Lions beat Switzerland 2-1 at Wembley on Saturday.
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Left-back Tyrick Mitchell and Chelsea loanee Conor Gallagher made it a hat-trick of call-ups for Palace in what is proving to be an exciting season for the Eagles. Gallagher's continuing progression is proving a source for anticipation at Stamford Bridge, too.
Thomas Tuchel is reportedly ready to include the midfielder in his first-team plans next season with Gallagher proving to be one of the top-flight's most impressive midfielders this term. Earlier this season, Guehi praised the impact of Gallagher on the team, saying: "He’s a fantastic player, someone who already has Premier League experience with his time at West Brom, so he’s accustomed to the league. He brings so much energy to the team, that goalscoring form that he is now showing and reproducing. I’m sure he’ll carry on that for the season for us.”
That 'fantastic' duo could be seen in the future at Stamford Bridge, however. While Gallagher is expected to be part of the Chelsea set-up next term, Guehi too could return sooner than expected. football.london understands that Chelsea have first refusal on Guehi should he leave Selhurst Park in the future.
It is not a buyback clause, but it allows Chelsea to match any bid that Palace receive for the defender. The Eagles will obviously have to accept the offer and Guehi would then need to agree terms on a move back to Stamford Bridge, but all ties have not been cut with the centre-back.
