Liverpool’s recruitment strategy has long been praised for its balance of ambition and prudence. While the club has shown willingness to invest heavily in players they consider transformational, such as Virgil van Dijk, Alisson Becker, and Darwin Núñez, there is also a clear reluctance to be drawn into reckless financial commitments. The case of Marc Guehi, Crystal Palace’s highly regarded centre-back, perfectly encapsulates this approach.
Reports from multiple English outlets indicate that Liverpool remain keen on securing Guehi’s services, especially given their ongoing squad evolution under Arne Slot. However, they are also making it clear that they will not overpay for a player whose contract situation at Selhurst Park makes him a depreciating asset. Guehi’s current deal runs until 2026, but with little sign of an extension, Palace may be forced into a difficult negotiation to avoid losing him for significantly less as the months go by.
This article explores the details of Liverpool’s interest, Guehi’s qualities as a defender, the context at both clubs, and the wider implications for the Premier League transfer market.
Marc Guehi Profile of a Modern Premier League Defender
Born in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, and raised in London, Guehi rose through Chelsea’s academy before making a permanent move to Crystal Palace in 2021. Since then, he has established himself as one of the most consistent centre-backs outside of the traditional “Big Six.”
-
Key Attributes
-
- Defensive Solidity: Guehi averages strong tackle and interception numbers per game, showing excellent reading of opposition play.
- Composure on the Ball: Much like Liverpool’s own Van Dijk and Gomez, Guehi is calm under pressure, capable of playing out from the back with precision.
- Leadership Potential: Despite his young age (just 24), he has captained Palace on occasion, reflecting maturity and reliability.
- Athleticism: His pace and agility make him particularly well-suited to defending high lines, something crucial in Liverpool’s tactical setup.
Given these traits, it is no surprise that Guehi has attracted interest not only from Liverpool but also from Arsenal, Manchester United, and even Bayern Munich in previous windows. His profile ticks many boxes for a club aiming to refresh its defensive core.
Liverpool’s Defensive Needs
-
Transition Under Arne Slot
The arrival of Arne Slot has ushered in tactical tweaks. While Klopp’s “heavy metal” football emphasized gegenpressing, Slot’s Feyenoord sides were noted for structural discipline and ball retention. This shift requires defenders who are equally comfortable in duels and in possession—qualities Guehi embodies.
-
Injury Concerns
Liverpool’s backline has faced persistent injury woes:
- Ibrahima Konaté: Excellent when fit, but hampered by recurring muscular injuries.
- Joe Gomez: Versatile but inconsistent in terms of form.
- Virgil van Dijk: Still world-class, yet at 33, Liverpool must prepare succession plans.
- Jarell Quansah: Promising but raw, not yet ready to be a week-in, week-out starter.
In this context, Guehi represents both a medium-term starter and a long-term cornerstone, potentially forming a partnership with Quansah or Konaté in the years to come.
The Contract Stalemate at Crystal Palace
Guehi’s contract runs until the summer of 2026. On paper, this gives Palace leverage in negotiations. However, there are two complicating factors:
- Player Ambition
Guehi has broken into the England squad and was part of Gareth Southgate’s plans for Euro 2024. To maintain his international status, he may feel he needs to test himself at a higher level of competition, including European football. - Palace’s Position
Palace are ambitious under Oliver Glasner, but they remain outside the Champions League or Europa League picture. They also face the challenge of holding onto other key stars such as Michael Olise and Eberechi Eze. If Guehi declines to extend, Palace risk watching his value diminish as the contract clock ticks down.
Thus, while Palace may demand in excess of £60 million, Liverpool’s strategy is to wait, applying pressure as Guehi’s situation becomes increasingly untenable for the London club.
Liverpool’s Transfer Philosophy Spending Smart Not Reckless
Liverpool’s owners, Fenway Sports Group (FSG), are not shy about investing but are known for their careful cost-control. Recent history reflects this:
- Virgil van Dijk (£75m): A record fee for a defender at the time, but justified by transformational impact.
- Alisson Becker (£66m): Similarly expensive, but solved a long-standing goalkeeping crisis.
- Darwin Núñez (£85m, incl. add-ons): Riskier, but represents a long-term investment.
However, the club has also walked away from deals they deemed financially unsound. For example, they cooled interest in Jude Bellingham once Borussia Dortmund set an astronomical asking price, instead opting for a midfield rebuild with Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai, Ryan Gravenberch, and Wataru Endo.
In Guehi’s case, Liverpool admire the player but are unwilling to cross a financial threshold that doesn’t align with contract realities. Paying £60-70m for a defender with less than two years left on his deal would contradict this philosophy.
Competition for Guehi’s Signature
Liverpool are not the only suitors. The competition could significantly influence how the saga unfolds.
-
Arsenal
With Mikel Arteta seeking defensive reinforcements to partner William Saliba and rotate with Gabriel, Guehi has been on Arsenal’s radar. Arsenal, however, already have Ben White and Jakub Kiwior, which makes their pursuit less desperate.
-
Manchester United
United are in dire need of defensive stability. Raphaël Varane has left, and Harry Maguire’s long-term role remains uncertain. Guehi’s age and Premier League experience make him a logical target. The question is whether United, under INEOS, will prioritize him.
-
Tottenham Hotspur
Spurs, under Ange Postecoglou, want to build a younger, progressive backline. Guehi’s ball-playing style suits them, but their focus may be elsewhere after the signing of Micky van de Ven last season.
-
European Giants
Clubs in Italy and Spain are monitoring the situation, though Premier League sides generally hold the financial advantage.
How Guehi Fits into Liverpool’s System
Slot is expected to maintain Liverpool’s aggressive pressing while adding more patience in buildup play. Guehi would fit in several ways:
- High Defensive Line: His pace allows him to cover space behind the defense.
- Distribution: Short passes into midfielders like Mac Allister or Szoboszlai would be natural.
- Leadership: A long-term replacement for Van Dijk’s leadership mantle.
- Rotation: He would immediately challenge Konaté for a starting role, preventing overreliance on any one player.
Importantly, Guehi’s composure mirrors Van Dijk’s calm presence, reducing panic moments under pressure.
Financial Scenarios
-
Liverpool Pay £60m Now
- Guarantees the player.
- Risks overspending.
- Palace get maximum return.
-
Liverpool Wait Until 2025
- Guehi enters final year of his contract.
- Palace face pressure to sell at a reduced price (£35–40m).
- Risks competition from other clubs.
-
Player Pushes for Exit
- If Guehi requests a transfer, Palace’s leverage weakens.
- Liverpool could negotiate a middle ground (£45–50m).
Most observers believe scenario two or three is the likeliest, especially given FSG’s cautious spending approach.
Fan Reactions and Expectations
Liverpool fans are divided on the pursuit:
- Pro-Guehi Camp: Many argue Guehi is the perfect profile—young, Premier League-proven, and versatile enough to slot in immediately. Investing big now ensures stability for years.
- Cautious Camp: Others warn against overpaying, pointing to cheaper alternatives abroad. Names like Gonçalo Inácio (Sporting CP) or Willian Pacho (Eintracht Frankfurt) have also been linked.
On social media, fans stress the importance of planning for a Van Dijk succession. While the Dutchman remains elite, his age means Liverpool must secure the “next leader” of their defense soon.
Also Read:
