Marc Guéhi, the Crystal Palace center-back who has emerged as a key target for Liverpool, is reportedly prepared to see out the final year of his contract with the Eagles. This development adds another layer of complexity to the ongoing transfer saga, as Liverpool seeks to bolster its defensive options.
With Jarell Quansah potentially on his way to Bayer Leverkusen in a deal worth around £34 million, Liverpool is in the market for a center-back. Guehi, who turns 25 in July, has become a prominent figure in the Premier League and within the England national team setup, making him an attractive prospect for the Reds. Phil Foden has lauded Guehi as a key figure in the dressing room, highlighting his leadership qualities.
Liverpool are expected to make a "significant offer" for Guehi, with reports suggesting that they are in the best position to secure a deal. However, no formal offer has been made yet. Crystal Palace, managed by Oliver Glasner, are also proactively seeking a replacement for Guehi, with Sporting CP defender Ousmane Diomande being a primary target. Palace have reportedly made progress on personal terms with Diomande and have good relations with the player's agency.
Despite Crystal Palace's interest in Diomande, they are not willing to let Guehi go for a cut-price fee. It is believed that owner Steve Parish is prepared to risk losing Guehi on a free transfer in 2026 rather than accepting a deal that undervalues the defender. This stance could complicate negotiations for Liverpool, who are also aware that Guehi could be available for free next summer if he runs down his contract.
Guehi's apparent willingness to see out his contract adds another dimension to the situation. It suggests that he is not necessarily pushing for an immediate move and is comfortable with the possibility of remaining at Crystal Palace for another season. This could be a strategic move to have more control over his next destination, potentially joining Liverpool on a free transfer in 2026.
However, Liverpool faces a potential problem in signing Guehi. According to Sky Sports, any prospect of the Crystal Palace defender moving to Anfield is "currently at a distance". It's suggested that, if he is to move this summer, he would want to be assured as a regular first-team starter, while agreeing a fee with Palace will not be simple.
Liverpool have already been active in the transfer market, securing Jeremie Frimpong and Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen. Milos Kerkez is also expected to complete his move from Bournemouth. The addition of Guehi would further strengthen their squad, providing quality and depth in the center-back position.
The pursuit of Marc Guehi is further complicated by interest from other clubs, including Newcastle United and Tottenham. Newcastle reportedly had multiple bids rejected for Guehi last summer, with the highest offer reaching £65 million. However, Guehi has reportedly told friends that he favors a move to Liverpool over other interested clubs.
As the transfer window progresses, it remains to be seen whether Liverpool will be able to strike a deal with Crystal Palace for Marc Guehi. The player's willingness to see out his contract adds a layer of uncertainty, but Liverpool's strong interest and Guehi's preference for a move to Anfield could still lead to a transfer this summer.
