In a stunning twist to the ongoing transfer drama, Liverpool are ramping up their efforts to land Crystal Palace’s defensive gem, Marc Guehi, in what could be one of the biggest deals of 2026. With the Premier League champions facing mounting concerns at the back, Arne Slot’s side is “pushing” hard to secure the England international on a free transfer this summer—leveraging the fact that Guehi is already intimately familiar with the club’s intricate tactical blueprints, many of which trace their roots back to the Jürgen Klopp era.
Liverpool’s pursuit of Guehi is no secret; the Reds came agonizingly close to sealing the deal last summer, only for Crystal Palace to pull out at the eleventh hour. Despite the setback, sources close to the negotiations reveal that Guehi has long been privy to Liverpool’s long-term vision for him. “Guehi knows exactly what Liverpool’s plans are for him and how he would fit in at Anfield,” according to a recent Sky Sports update from journalist Kaveh Solhekol. These plans, steeped in the high-pressing, gegenpressing philosophy that Klopp embedded into the club’s DNA during his transformative tenure from 2015 to 2024, have evolved under Slot but retain the core “secret” elements that made Liverpool a European powerhouse.
The 25-year-old centre-back, who has shone brightly for Palace and earned a regular spot in England’s national team, is out of contract at the end of the season. This positions him perfectly for a Bosman ruling move, allowing clubs to negotiate pre-contracts now. Liverpool, eager to address their defensive vulnerabilities, see Guehi as the ideal reinforcement. Ibrahima Konate’s reluctance to commit to a new deal has fueled speculation of his departure, while Joe Gomez nearly joined AC Milan last summer and remains a transfer target for several clubs. Adding to the urgency, young prospect Giovanni Leoni is sidelined with a serious ACL injury, leaving Slot’s backline stretched thin despite their title-winning form.
Reports indicate that Guehi prefers Liverpool over other suitors, drawn to the opportunity to slot into a system he already understands deeply. During last summer’s talks, the Reds even agreed personal terms with him, highlighting his familiarity with the “Klopp secrets”—those tactical nuances like relentless counter-pressing and fluid positional play that Slot has adapted but not abandoned. However, Solhekol cautions that the race is still “wide open,” with Guehi “taking his time” to weigh his options. “There is currently no favourite,” the Sky Sports reporter emphasized, underscoring the uncertainty surrounding the defender’s future.
Complicating matters is fierce competition from top clubs across Europe. Manchester City, grappling with their own injury crisis, are eyeing a January swoop for Guehi. With key defenders like Josko Gvardiol, Ruben Dias, and John Stones out of action—and questions lingering over John Stones’ and Nathan Ake’s long-term futures—Pep Guardiola’s side is desperate for reinforcements. City would need to table an irresistible offer to prise Guehi away from Palace mid-season, potentially matching or exceeding the £35 million bid Liverpool had accepted last summer.
Arsenal, too, are in the mix, though their need is less pressing. Mikel Arteta boasts a solid defensive unit, bolstered by recent contract extensions for Gabriel and William Saliba. Still, the Gunners are monitoring the situation closely, ready to pounce if an opportunity arises. Adding an international dimension, Bayern Munich are lurking in the background. The Bundesliga giants, with their superior position to engage in pre-contract talks right now, could tempt Guehi with a move abroad, offering Champions League football and a fresh challenge.
For Liverpool, landing Guehi would be a statement of intent, solidifying their defense and ensuring continuity in a post-Klopp world under Slot. The Dutch manager, who has masterfully built on Klopp’s foundations since taking over in 2024, was seen applauding fans after a hard-fought Premier League clash against Arsenal at the Emirates on January 8, 2026—a match that highlighted the Reds’ resilience but also their need for depth.
As the transfer window heats up, all eyes are on Guehi’s decision. Will he choose the allure of Anfield, where he already knows the “secret plans” inside out? Or will a rival swoop in to derail Liverpool’s blockbuster move? One thing is certain: this saga is far from over, and the Premier League’s defensive landscape could shift dramatically by summer’s end. Stay tuned for more updates as the race intensifies.