The new Ivorian passport of Marc Guehi could put an end to Chelsea and Newcastle's pursuit.
Since the Brexit, British players have now been considered non-EU citizens, as a result of which Jude Bellingham requests an Irish passport prior to his move to Real Madrid.
Guehi's decision to renew his Ivorian passport for which he is eligible through his father falls under the Cotonou agreement.
With this agreement, players with African nationality can be considered as Spanish nationals, giving them a clear advantage for La Liga clubs.
Spanish parties are limited to only three non-EU players in their matchday squadrons.
Guehi, 24, only has a year about his deal with interest from Newcastle, Chelsea and Tottenham.
But Real Madrid and Barcelona have also monitored his progress – and the temptation of a dream movement to Spain could prove too much.
Chelsea has a sales clause with which they can get compensation for the defender they sold to the Eagles in 2021 and they would not want him to leave for free.
Last summer the Eagles rejected a fee as in the £ 65 million region for the defender, but with another season about his deal chairman Steve Parish has to make a decision.
Guehi, who was born in the Ivory Coast, moved to Lewisham when he was only a year old.
As with most children with dual nationality, he could benefit from keeping two passports.
Especially with Spanish teams that are limited to only three non-EU players in their matchday squadrons, this development can give him a lead if he decides to walk his contract and move to Spain next summer.
Palace signed Guehi from Chelsea for a first £ 18 million four years ago, and his rapid turnout has become a key figure.
The Eagles are well aware that he could continue, and they have a history of selling young talents for the right price.