In a dramatic turn of events, Liverpool’s pursuit of Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi has hit a new snag, forcing the Reds into a tough call ahead of the January transfer window. The England international was on the verge of a move to Anfield during the summer deadline day, but now Arne Slot’s side must weigh up whether to splash the cash mid-season or risk losing him to European heavyweights on a free transfer.
Guehi, 25, has emerged as one of the Premier League’s most sought-after centre-backs, and his contract situation at Selhurst Park has only heightened the interest. With just six months remaining on his deal come January, Palace are resigned to the fact that he won’t extend his stay. However, the Eagles’ captain remains committed to leading the team with professionalism, earning plaudits from fans for his handling of the ongoing speculation.
Liverpool’s interest stems from a desperate need for defensive reinforcements. The Reds have endured a rocky start to the 2025/26 Premier League campaign, conceding a staggering 20 goals in their first 12 matches and sitting with a minus-two goal difference. Centre-back Ibrahima Konate has come under fire for inconsistent performances, while Joe Gomez’s fitness issues have raised concerns for boss Arne Slot. Adding to the woes, young Italian defender Giovanni Leoni is sidelined for the season with an ACL injury, leaving the backline dangerously thin.
As revealed by sources close to the negotiations, Liverpool came agonizingly close to sealing a deal for Guehi on summer deadline day, with a £35 million bid on the table. But the transfer fell through at the eleventh hour, and now the landscape has shifted. Elite clubs across Europe, including Real Madrid, Barcelona, Bayern Munich, and Inter Milan, are circling, ready to negotiate a pre-contract agreement from January 1. Guehi’s Ivorian passport, which grants him EU status in Spain, makes him an even more attractive proposition for La Liga giants, who can offer lucrative deals without a transfer fee.
For Palace, the dilemma is clear: cash in during the winter window or let Guehi walk for nothing in the summer. The financial incentives of Premier League survival and potential cup runs could push them to demand a fee close to the £35 million Liverpool offered previously. Losing their skipper mid-season would be a blow, but the riches on offer might prove too tempting to ignore.
Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher has been vocal about the need for action. Speaking on Sky Sports last week, he urged his former club to prioritize a centre-back signing: “Liverpool need to spend in January; they should have bought a centre-back in the summer. They’re probably one injury away from really derailing the season, so they have to go to the market. I do feel they needed to bring in that number of players during the summer.”
Slot, who has overseen a frustrating opening to his tenure, sees Guehi as the ideal fit to shore up the defense and reignite Liverpool’s title aspirations. But with foreign suitors able to swoop in for free, the Reds face a race against time—and their wallet. Will they fork out big money to secure him now, or gamble on fending off competition in the summer?
As the January window approaches, this transfer saga is set to intensify, with Guehi’s future hanging in the balance. Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.