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DEAL IN DOUBT! Liverpool’s £45m Defensive Target Stalls Amid Uncertainty Over Move
TRANSFER TWIST: Slot’s top choice reluctant to leave as Reds face defensive dilemma!
Liverpool’s efforts to reinforce their backline this summer may hit a roadblock, with a key target hesitant to commit to a transfer.
According to The Guardian’s Jacob Steinberg, Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi is prepared to let his contract run its course unless a move perfectly aligns with his expectations. The 24-year-old, who played a vital role in Palace’s FA Cup triumph, has no intention of signing a new deal — making him available this summer, but only under the right conditions.
This poses a challenge for Liverpool, who view Guehi as a potential successor to Jarell Quansah, now tipped for a £30 million transfer to Bayer Leverkusen.
Quansah made 25 appearances last season and was a key squad member in Liverpool’s title-winning campaign. His likely exit creates a pressing need for reinforcements in central defence.
Guehi is prioritising guaranteed playing time and is in no rush to finalize his next move.
The former Chelsea centre-back is eager to be a regular starter next season as he eyes a spot in Thomas Tuchel’s England squad for the 2026 World Cup.
A move to Anfield would offer the prestige of competing under Arne Slot and challenging for silverware. However, immediate starts aren’t assured, with Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konaté still considered the starting pairing.
Van Dijk recently signed a contract extension and continues to be a dominant presence at 33, while Konaté — despite entering the final year of his deal — has had fitness concerns, which could eventually open up more opportunities.
Liverpool have already brought in Florian Wirtz this summer and are likely to turn their attention to defensive reinforcements, especially with Joe Gomez’s injury history and uncertainty around Konaté.
Nonetheless, The Guardian stresses that Guehi is in no hurry to decide. He’s open to seeing out his deal at Palace, which could make him a free agent next summer or eligible for a pre-contract with a foreign club in January.
This scenario might force Palace to reconsider their £45 million valuation. As Liverpool continue to track developments, the key question remains: will the chance to join the Premier League champions outweigh the appeal of regular minutes elsewher
