The summer transfer window is never short of drama, surprises, and late twists. Yet, few sagas in England have drawn as much attention as Liverpool’s pursuit of Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi. For weeks, speculation has grown, private negotiations have taken place, and trusted reporters like Fabrizio Romano have kept fans on edge with updates. Now, with the September 1 deadline approaching, Liverpool appear closer than ever to securing a signing that could significantly reshape their defensive line for the 2025/26 campaign.
Liverpool already boast high-profile names in defence. Virgil van Dijk remains captain and leader, Ibrahima Konaté brings power and reliability when fit, Joe Gomez offers versatility despite inconsistency, and Giovanni Leoni adds promise as a rising talent. On paper, the squad looks strong. However, football is played on the pitch, not on paper. Injuries and poor form have repeatedly hindered Konaté and Gomez. Van Dijk, while still outstanding, cannot be expected to play every match at peak level forever. Leoni, meanwhile, is still developing. For a club aiming to defend the Premier League title and compete in the Champions League, defensive depth is not optional—it is essential. This is precisely why Liverpool have turned their focus to Guehi.
Marc Guehi has become one of the Premier League’s most reliable centre-backs during his time at Crystal Palace. Known for his strength in duels, composure in possession, and natural leadership, he has established himself as a defender of real quality. His status as an England international further underlines his pedigree. For Liverpool, signing Guehi would not simply add another body to the squad—it would provide an immediate first-team option who could rotate with Van Dijk and Konaté, while also serving as a long-term successor at the heart of their defence.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Liverpool are prepared to increase their bid beyond £30 million in order to finalise the transfer. Crucially, Guehi himself is eager to join. Personal terms are not an obstacle, as the player is determined to play under Arne Slot and be part of Liverpool’s title-defending project. With all sides aligned, the decision now rests with Crystal Palace.
The dilemma for Palace is clear. On one hand, keeping Guehi presents a huge financial risk. His contract runs until 2026, but he has no intention of extending. Refusing to sell now could mean losing him for free in just a year’s time, a scenario chairman Steve Parish is keen to avoid. From the club’s perspective, cashing in today and using the funds to rebuild makes the most sense.
On the other hand, manager Oliver Glasner is desperate to retain his star defender. Only days ago, he publicly insisted that Guehi “has to stay,” stressing that finding a replacement of equal calibre so late in the transfer window is nearly impossible. His words reflect both the determination and frustration of a coach who knows losing such a key player just before the season begins could derail his entire plan.
