Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi has reportedly decided to put his potential transfer to Liverpool on hold and remain with The Eagles until the conclusion of the 2025/26 Premier League season, according to football journalist Alan Nixon.
The 25-year-old defender came close to joining Liverpool during last summer’s transfer window. Negotiations, however, broke down at the final stages, keeping Guehi at Selhurst Park and continuing his role as a key figure in Palace’s defense.
Hesitation After Summer Transfer Drama
Nixon revealed via Patreon that Guehi now has multiple options if he decides to leave Crystal Palace in the future, most likely in the next summer window. While Anfield remains his dream destination, Guehi is reportedly reconsidering after last summer’s frustrating transfer saga.
Sources close to the player indicated that Liverpool only entered the negotiation late in the process, and behind-the-scenes complications emerged, causing Guehi to pause and reflect on his next move.
For now, the England international is prepared to wait and carefully weigh his options. Clubs outside the Premier League could start contacting him as early as January for pre-contract agreements, making next summer’s potential transfer window highly competitive.
Although the allure of playing for Liverpool and competing in the UEFA Champions League is strong, Guehi is determined to make a calculated decision—especially considering Liverpool’s current struggles in the lower half of the Premier League table.
Several domestic and overseas clubs are monitoring the England international, which suggests that Liverpool may face stiff competition when trying to secure his signature in 2026.
Liverpool’s Defensive Woes Amplify the Need for Guehi
Liverpool’s shaky start to the 2025/26 campaign continued with a humiliating 0-3 defeat at home to Nottingham Forest last Saturday. The Reds’ defensive vulnerabilities have been laid bare, emphasizing why a player of Guehi’s quality is so highly coveted.
Last summer, Liverpool targeted Guehi to address their lack of depth at center-back—a problem that has only become more apparent this season. Veteran Virgil van Dijk is no longer at his peak, while Ibrahima Konate, entering the final year of his contract, has struggled with consistency and costly errors.
Konate, in particular, drew heavy criticism for his performance against Nottingham Forest, one of three Liverpool players who failed to impress manager Arne Slot in the crushing defeat.
With defensive stability and composure urgently needed, Guehi’s leadership and tactical awareness could provide Liverpool with a much-needed upgrade at the back.
The Transfer Decision Lies Ahead
It now falls on Liverpool’s sporting director, Richard Hughes, to persuade both Guehi and Crystal Palace to finalize a deal in January or risk losing out to rival clubs in the race for the defender’s signature on a free transfer next summer.
For Guehi, patience appears to be the guiding principle—choosing to commit to Crystal Palace for the time being while carefully evaluating all future opportunities, including the long-standing dream of donning Liverpool’s red jersey.
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