Liverpool’s hopes of strengthening their defensive line took a major hit as their pursuit of Marc Guehi dramatically collapsed in the final hours of the summer transfer window. The Reds were widely expected to secure the Crystal Palace star, with both clubs reportedly reaching an agreement on a transfer fee. Liverpool had even prepared an official unveiling for the England international before negotiations fell apart.
Transfer Agreement Reached Before Palace Pulled the Plug
The process initially looked smooth and straightforward. According to multiple reports, Liverpool and Crystal Palace had agreed on a fee of around £35 million. Guehi even underwent medical tests at Liverpool’s training facilities, a sign that the deal was edging towards completion.
However, the situation shifted rapidly when Palace decided to halt the move. The London club struggled to secure a suitable replacement for their defensive linchpin, leading to a dramatic U-turn. Tensions grew behind the scenes, with head coach Oliver Glasner reportedly threatening to resign if the club allowed Guehi to leave without a replacement. Under that pressure, Palace’s board made the bold call to retain their star defender.
Liverpool Forced to Wait Longer for Guehi
This sudden collapse means Liverpool must wait if they still want to add Guehi to their defensive ranks. Despite the disappointment, speculation linking the Reds with the 25-year-old continues to surface, especially given his growing reputation as one of the Premier League’s most reliable defenders.
For now, Guehi remains a crucial figure at Crystal Palace, where he has not only cemented his place as a starter but also earned the trust of his teammates and manager.
Arne Slot’s Response: Respect and Admiration for Guehi
Liverpool manager Arne Slot addressed the failed transfer in a composed manner. While he admitted feeling disappointed, the Dutch coach emphasized that Guehi is still in a strong position with his current club.
Slot praised Guehi’s career at Crystal Palace, pointing out that the England defender has been a cornerstone of the team’s success. Beyond his consistency in the league, Guehi has already lifted silverware with Palace, including the FA Cup and the Community Shield — achievements that highlight his importance.
“It’s unfortunate, not just for us but also for the player, I think. But he is in a very good place, playing for Palace where he has already won the Community Shield and the FA Cup with a very good manager as well,” Slot told Liverpool Echo.
January 2026: A Second Chance for Liverpool?
Although the summer window ended in frustration, Slot hinted that Liverpool could revisit the deal in the upcoming January 2026 transfer window. He stopped short of making promises but left the door open for a potential renewed approach.
With Guehi’s contract entering its latter stages, Palace may find themselves under increasing pressure to cash in rather than risk losing him for a reduced fee or even on a free transfer in the future. This development could play into Liverpool’s hands if they reignite their pursuit.
Still, Slot made it clear that his current focus lies on Liverpool’s fixtures rather than future transfer speculation.
“Let’s see what the future brings for him and for us. If I think about something regarding January, you know what I think — but I won’t tell you. Right now, my main focus is on Burnley, I can assure you,” he added.
What This Means for Liverpool’s Transfer Strategy
Liverpool’s failure to land Guehi highlights the difficulties clubs face in negotiating big transfers late in the window. While the Reds remain keen on strengthening their defense, the collapse may force them to rely on their current options until January.
For now, the Anfield faithful will have to wait patiently. But given Liverpool’s clear interest and Guehi’s rising status, this transfer saga is far from over.
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