The task of replacing Marc Guehi is almost an impossible job for Crystal Palace ahead of the summer transfer window. The English centre-back will go down as one of the greatest defenders in club history.
Guehi will be remembered as the captain who lifted the Eagles’ first major trophy when he celebrated last season’s FA Cup triumph. Ironically, that win at Wembley in the final came against his new club, Manchester City.
Palace knew the day would come when the 25-year-old headed out of Selhurst Park and, as a result, has been reportedly drawing up a shortlist of potential replacements. The likes of Sporting CP’s Ousmande Diomande, Club Brugge’s Joel Ordonez and Toulouse’s Charlie Cresswell have all been linked.
Class Canvot
The South Londoners are renowned for their focus on youth, which has been key to the club’s recent success. Steve Parish’s scouts scour the globe for exciting prospects who can develop into top talent in the English capital.
Last summer, Palace swooped for 19-year-old Jaydee Canvot from Toulouse, signing the French youngster in a £23m deal. He signed a four-year-deal and was tipped to be a long-term Guehi heir.
Canvot’s recent performances suggest he’s already capable of filling Guehi’s boots. He was impressive in the 1-0 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers, winning all three of his tackles and four of nine ground duels.
| Jaydee Canvot (Premier League 2025-26) | Statistic |
|---|---|
| Appearances: | 10 |
| Interceptions: | 0.5 |
| Tackles per game: | 1.9 |
| Possession won (final third): | 0.2 |
| Balls recovered per game: | 2.0 |
| Clearances per game: | 3.0 |
| Blocked shots per game: | 0.5 |
| Ground duels won: | 2.2 (55%) |
| Aerial duels won: | 1.0 (59%) |
The French teenager followed that up with a superb showing in a 2-0 win over Bosnian minnows Zrinjski Mostar in the Europa Conference League on Thursday. The visitors weren’t able to pose any threat, largely thanks to his dominant display, winning three of four tackles and four of six ground duels.
Canvot has now made 21 appearances across competitions and shown maturity beyond his years. He’s proving to be not just one for the future but a key man in the present.
A Clairefontaine product
Clairefontaine might not be known to many Palace fans, but it’s been the birthplace of some of the greatest French players in football history. Real Madrid star Kylian Mbappe, Arsenal legends Thierry Henry and Nicola Anelka all spent time in the French training football centre.
Canvot was initially an attacker before transitioning into a versatile defender, and that’s when Toulouse took notice. He joined the French club’s academy and signed a youth deal before making his senior debut aged 18 in September 2024.
The four-cap France U21 international made 22 appearances for Les Violets, enough for Palace to scouts to cast their eye on his growth. They didn’t take long making their minds up that he was a must-have as he arrived at Selhurst Park, with Guehi expected to join Liverpool last summer.
What the football world say
Canvot has quickly won Palace manager Oliver Glasner over with his willingness to learn and defensive attributes. The Austrian bemoaned Guehi’s exit, and he has grown frustrated with what he perceives as a lack of ambition.
Perhaps Glasner will rue not being able to manage Canvot and oversee his development. He said back in November (via SouthLondon):
“I see him in training, what he can do. That’s also the reason why we signed him: we see he has all the hardware you need as a centre-back. He has pace, he’s tall. We have to work with his heading, especially in attack.”
Former Liverpool midfielder Momo Sissoko is his agent, and he celebrated his move to Palace with an Instagram post. He captioned a photo of himself alongside his client in the club’s kit:
“From Clairefontaine to the Premier League.”
Sissoko was also the agent who oversaw Canvot signing his first professional contract with Toulouse. The French outfit’s manager, Carles Martinez Novell, waxed lyrical during his debut season with the senior team (via Les Violets):
“The first day I saw him play, when I arrived as an assistant a year and a half ago, I thought to myself: ‘Wow, what a player.’”
Canvot’s stock rose in France and as a result the French media were aware of his huge potential. GetFooballNewsFrance tipped him to be a breakout star in the Ligue 1’s 2025-26 campaign:
“At a time when pace and power are prioritised in player development – especially when it comes to centre-backs – he has something more. He does have those capabilities too, as well as the ability to win his aerial duels, despite his lack of height, but it is his mental attributes that make him a player so coveted.”
Canvot was linked with Aston Villa and looked likely to join Unai Emery’s side, but fortunately, Palace sealed his signature. He seems likely to be a massive part of the club’s future under a new manager next season.
