In a stunning twist to one of the most talked-about transfer sagas of the season, Liverpool’s pursuit of Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi has hit a major roadblock for the January window. Two of the football world’s most trusted journalists, Fabrizio Romano and Paul Joyce, have poured cold water on speculations of an imminent move, revealing that the England international is highly unlikely to switch clubs mid-season. This revelation comes as a bombshell for Reds fans who have been eagerly anticipating reinforcements at the back, especially with Guehi’s contract set to expire at the end of the campaign.
Guehi, the 25-year-old defensive stalwart who has been a cornerstone for Palace since joining from Chelsea in 2021, was agonizingly close to donning the famous red shirt last summer. Liverpool had everything lined up: personal terms agreed, a medical passed, and even a deal between the clubs sealed at around £35 million. However, Palace’s failure to secure a suitable replacement led manager Oliver Glasner to intervene, forcing the board to pull the plug on deadline day. Since then, the Reds have kept lines of communication open with Guehi’s camp, signaling their intent to revisit the deal in 2026.
But with Guehi’s contract entering its final six months on January 1, foreign clubs can now negotiate pre-contract agreements, adding urgency to Liverpool’s strategy. Giants from Italy, Germany, and Spain—including Bayern Munich, Barcelona, and Real Madrid—have already made exploratory contacts. This has fueled rumors that Liverpool might accelerate their plans and table a bid next month to avoid losing out. Sky Sports even suggested the club’s center-back search could be “brought forward” to January.
Yet, according to Romano, speaking on his YouTube channel, there’s “nothing advanced with any club for January.” He emphasized that sources close to Guehi believe the “most likely outcome” is a free transfer in the summer. “Liverpool remain in the race for Guehi and there are many clubs interested, but at the moment the most likely outcome is a summer move,” Romano stated. He also noted interest from Manchester City alongside the European heavyweights, who inquired about the situation in late October and early November.
Echoing Romano’s sentiments, Paul Joyce of The Times—a go-to authority on Liverpool affairs—wrote that Guehi “is unlikely to move next month.” Joyce highlighted the Reds’ hope to secure him on a free transfer in the summer, following the collapsed deadline-day bid. This alignment from two top-tier reporters underscores the patience Liverpool may need to exercise, despite the risk of Guehi being swayed by overseas suitors during the anxious wait ahead.
For Liverpool, this means navigating a precarious six-month period where foreign clubs could swoop in with pre-contract offers. The club remains “very interested” in Guehi, viewing him as a perfect fit to bolster their defense alongside Virgil van Dijk. However, without a January breakthrough, Arne Slot’s side will have to rely on their current squad depth through the second half of the season, all while keeping a watchful eye on developments.
This bombshell update not only tempers expectations for immediate action but also heightens the drama surrounding Guehi’s future. Will Liverpool hold firm and land their man in the summer, or will a European powerhouse steal the march? As the transfer window looms, all eyes will be on Anfield’s next move.