In a significant development for Liverpool’s defensive reinforcements, the club is reportedly maintaining a strong interest in Crystal Palace centre-back Marc Guehi ahead of the January 2026 transfer window. The 26-time England international has emerged as a primary target for the Reds, who are looking to address vulnerabilities in their backline amid a challenging season.
According to recent reports, Liverpool’s pursuit of Guehi dates back to last summer when they submitted a £35 million bid on deadline day. However, Crystal Palace pulled out of negotiations due to their involvement in European competitions and a shortage of central defensive options. Despite this setback, sources indicate that Guehi remains high on Liverpool’s wishlist, with the club holding “serious” interest in securing his services.
The chances of a mid-season transfer in January 2026 appear slim, complicated by several factors. Guehi’s contract with Palace is set to expire in the summer of 2026, allowing him to negotiate with foreign clubs as a free agent starting from January 1, 2026. Additionally, potential wage demands and the need for guaranteed playing time—crucial for his preparations ahead of the 2026 World Cup—could hinder any immediate deal. Palace is keen to retain the defender to ensure he gets regular minutes, bolstering his international prospects.
Liverpool’s defensive woes this season underline the urgency of such a move. The team has conceded 20 goals in just 13 Premier League matches, placing heavy reliance on key duo Ibrahima Konate and Virgil van Dijk without adequate rotation. This follows a busy summer transfer window where the club brought in talents like Florian Wirtz, Alexander Isak, Hugo Ekitike, Giovanni Leoni (currently sidelined with an ACL injury), Milos Kerkez, and Jeremie Frimpong, while parting ways with Jarell Quansah. Despite these additions, the Reds’ backline has struggled to maintain solidity, prompting renewed focus on experienced options like Guehi.
In related news, Real Madrid have reportedly cooled their interest in Liverpool’s own French defender, Ibrahima Konate. The 26-year-old, who played a pivotal role in Liverpool’s successes including the 2024-25 league title, League Cup, FA Cup, and a Champions League final appearance, is also out of contract in June 2026. This means he too can engage in pre-contract discussions with overseas clubs from January 1.
However, prominent journalist David Ornstein has confirmed that there is no current interest from the Spanish giants in Konate. This shift could provide Liverpool with some breathing room as they navigate contract extensions for key players, including Konate, whose consistent performances have been a bright spot in an otherwise leaky defense.
As the January window approaches, Liverpool fans will be watching closely to see if the club can land Guehi or explore alternative targets. With defensive stability key to mounting a title challenge or securing European qualification, this transfer saga could define the second half of the season for Arne Slot’s side.
This report is based on insights from Liverpool World.