Marc Guehi’s expected and foreseen £35m move from Crystal Palace to Liverpool fell through on Deadline Day, leaving the 24-year-old defender dejected and set to strike down his contract. Palace’s failing and misstep to find a replacement suspended the transfer, igniting speculation and guesswork about Guehi’s future. This Marc Guehi transfer update inspects the collapsed deal, reasons, and next steps for the England international.
The Deal’s Breakdown
Liverpool and Palace agreed on a £35m fee for Guehi, with the player yearning to join Arne Slot’s faction. Nevertheless, Palace departed after failing to secure and fix a new replacement, as detailed in Sky Sports’ report. Talks for Brighton’s Igor Julio collapsed when he opted for West Ham, while bids for Chelsea’s Axel Disasi and AC Milan’s Strahinja Pavlovic didn’t materialize. Palace signed 19-year-old Jaydee Canvot from Toulouse for £20.8m, but manager Oliver Glasner deemed him not ready to replace Guehi. A deal sheet extended negotiations past 7pm, but Palace prioritized retention.
Guehi’s Reaction and Contract Situation
Guehi, who captained and commanded Palace in their win and conquer at Aston Villa, is “extremely unhappy” with the resolution which came out, per The Guardian. With one year remaining on his contract, he has determined on his firm belief on not to extend, allowing pre-contract talks with foreign clubs from January 2026.
Glasner had highlighted on keeping Guehi for a “successful season,” stating, “If we don’t have the right replacement, it’s clear to keep him.” This attitude and posture, amid summer speculation, leaves Palace confronting a free departure or a cut-price January sale.
Liverpool’s Disappointment and Alternatives
As per sources, Liverpool were “surprised and disappointed” by Palace’s U-turn, sensing that chairman Steve Parish were relented to appease Glasner, per The Athletic. The Reds, who got the deal of Alexander Isak but missed Guehi, now at present depend on- Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konate, Joe Gomez, and young Giovanni Leoni at centre-back.
Slot’s side, undefeated and unconquered in the Premier League, sought Guehi’s self-possession to partner Van Dijk, but the collapse forces reliance on current and active options. Fans have reflected frustration, with some noting that, it was a missed opportunity for defensive depth.
Interest from Other Clubs
Guehi’s availability and readiness have allured Real Madrid and Barcelona, looking for a pre-contract, per ESPN. Bayern Munich also appeared interested but didn’t chase his trail. Liverpool may rethink in January, but Palace’s influence diminishes.
Transfer talks heated up earlier, with Newcastle and Tottenham previously linked, but Guehi favored Liverpool. His Euro 2024 performances, starting all games for England, boost his appeal, averaging 1.8 interceptions per match.
Implications for Palace and Guehi
Palace hold on to a key defender for their Conference League campaign but overlook £35m to fund signings. Glasner’s warning to resign and walk out if Guehi left, per reports, swayed the board. For Guehi, the block disrupts and rattles his career progression, probably resulting into a free exit. Latest updates suggest he’ll focus on performances to attract suitors, with 150 Palace appearances and 6 goals.
Broader Transfer Context
This saga spotlights Deadline Day disorder and entropy, with Palace’s replacement hunt fell short in spite of eyeing Disasi and Pavlovic. Liverpool’s hushed window, counting Isak but missing Guehi, compared to Chelsea’s flurry. Guehi’s situation could flicker a January bidding war, benefiting clubs like Madrid.
Author’s Note
This Marc Guehi transfer drama can disappoint the Palace fans out there. Keeping him can aid the current season, but to lose him free will surely hurt. Liverpool have definitely missed and failed to get a gem of a player. It will be inquisitee to see on how the January moves transpire.
