Tabloid points out two very good reasons why defender’s move to Chelsea this month is unlikely | OneFootball

The romance of a Marc Guehi return to Chelsea where he started his career seems perfect – but the reality is a little more cold and clinical it seems.

Since injury wiped out both Benoit Badiashile and Wesley Fofana for extended periods, the whispers about Guehi potentially moving back to Chelsea have stepped up a gear, with even top sources admitting it was very much a deal the club were looking at.

But John Cross’s piece in the Mirror yesterday points to some difficult truths. While we all love the idea of the academy starlet we never wanted to let go of in the first place coming back to reclaim his rightful place in the heart of defence, there are issues.

This new Chelsea haven’t been afraid to spend money, but they’re targeting very young players they can get on very low wages relative to their ability. They don’t mind paying big money up front, but the whole model relies on them locking in a player for a 7 or 8 year deal at reduced salary.

As Cross points out, Palace wanted £70m for Guehi last summer, and are unlikely to want much less now. On top of that, the defender “could comfortable command a salary towards the £200,000 a week mark.”

Chelsea’s wage structure could kill romantic reunion

Marc Guehi playing for Crystal Palace.

Chelsea’s wage structure just won’t allow that, as far as we can see. There are still players earning that at the club – but the priority has been to get rid of them, not add more to that group.

So maybe Palace and Guehi reduce their demands and the Chelsea move happens. But it doesn’t seem likely they’d do that while there is so much demand for him from a variety of teams and leagues. So this isn’t over – but it doesn’t look likely to happen either.