Crystal Palace In Talks Over Lyon Defender Identified As Marc Guehi Replacement

Crystal Palace have made a deadline day approach for Lyon defender Ruben Kluivert as they look to replace Marc Guehi.

Reports from France indicate that Oliver Glasner’s side are very keen on the Dutch centre-half.

With Glasner and Guehi’s exits confirmed this month, Palace must start their rebuild even before their manager leaves at the end of the season.

Their recent form has been particularly worrying, with the Eagles winless in 12 in all competitions.

Fears are growing that Palace may risk relegation if they cannot turn things around quickly.

The search for a Guehi replacement has therefore been ongoing since the England international joined Manchester City.

And it now appears that Lyon’s Kluivert has emerged as a leading candidate.

The 24-year-old has impressed in Ligue 1 in recent weeks. With Lyon losing several stars to international duty during this month’s AFCON tournament, Kluivert has stepped up.

He has made 18 appearances in all competitions this season, chipping in with two goals and two assists.

But the imminent arrival of Noham Kamara from Paris Saint-Germain looks set to push Kluivert out of the side once again.

As a result, Lyon are ready to negotiate an exit for the defender, with Palace front-runners.

Crystal Palace Make Approach For Ruben Kluivert

Early indications are that Palace and Lyon both want to make this deal happen.

The player is keen on a move to the Premier League, and should come at an affordable price.

It is not clear what Palace have offered Lyon, but Kluivert is expected to be available for well below £10 million.

Scoring in Ligue 1 is in the Kluivert family DNA! pic.twitter.com/lkelufWJ49

— Ligue 1 English (@Ligue1_ENG) January 25, 2026

Given Palace’s £20 million windfall from selling Guehi, this shouldn’t be an issue for the Eagles.

The main stumbling block for Palace will be Lyon’s acquisition of Kamara.

Kluivert will only be allowed to leave if his current club can secure their replacement.

There is every confidence that they will, but should the PSG man’s move to Lyon collapse, it could put an end to Kluivert joining Palace.

Who Is Crystal Palace Target Ruben Kluivert?

Twenty-four-year-old Dutch centre-back Ruben Kluivert is the son of Netherlands legend Patrick.

Born in Amsterdam, Kluivert is a product of Amsterdamsche FC. He later joined Utrecht coming through the academy before joining Casa Pia in Portugal.

After one season, there, he joined Lyon last summer and has now become a first team regularly.

Scoring in Ligue 1 is in the Kluivert family DNA! pic.twitter.com/lkelufWJ49

— Ligue 1 English (@Ligue1_ENG) January 25, 2026

Given his rapid and recent progress, Crystal Palace believe they would be acquiring a defender ready to make the next step up.

Still only 24, he is beginning to mature into the player many expected him to become, given his illustrious family connections.

As well as their iconic father, Ruben’s brother Justin, 26, is also a top-class footballer and currently plays in the Premier League for Bournemouth.