According to renowned Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, Liverpool are on the verge of agreeing to personal terms with a highly rated £70 million defender—described as a “Mac Allister 2.0.”
Back when Liverpool last won the Premier League, their transfer activity was relatively modest, with Diogo Jota’s signing being the standout. This time around, however, the club is approaching the summer window with renewed ambition, determined to reclaim their spot at the top.
In 2025, the Reds have already surpassed their 2020 spending. Jeremie Frimpong has been brought in as a long-term replacement for Trent Alexander-Arnold, and the £116 million signing of Florian Wirtz has made headlines across Europe. Additionally, a deal is in progress for Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez to reinforce the left-back position, while striker Alexander Isak continues to be linked to a potential move to Anfield.
Recent reports suggest Liverpool have agreed on a £40 million fee for Kerkez. The Hungarian defender has completed his medical and visited the club’s training facilities. Once this deal is finalized, Liverpool are expected to shift their focus to bolstering their central defense, with Marc Guehi of Crystal Palace now a key target.
Negotiations for Guehi appear to be moving swiftly. TEAMtalk reports that Liverpool are close to finalizing personal terms with the England international, who has only one year remaining on his contract at Palace. While Palace initially valued Guehi at £70 million, that price may drop to around £45 million given his contract status.
Liverpool will need to fend off interest from other clubs, including Newcastle United. However, the allure of competing for titles at Anfield could give them a competitive edge.
The potential Guehi transfer draws comparisons to the 2023 acquisition of Alexis Mac Allister from Brighton. Signed for £35 million, Mac Allister quickly became an integral part of Liverpool’s midfield, filling leadership gaps and earning a PFA Player of the Season nomination for his standout performances.
Guehi shares many of the same attributes—Premier League experience, reliability, and English nationality—which would ease his transition into Arne Slot’s system. He was instrumental in Crystal Palace’s recent FA Cup victory over Manchester City, showing he thrives under pressure.
Statistically, Guehi ranks among the league’s top defenders in areas like key passes, progressive distribution, and tackles. Notably, he made no errors leading to goals during the 2024/25 season—outperforming Liverpool’s Ibrahima Konaté in terms of defensive dependability.
Football journalist Stuart James has praised Guehi as an “incredible” talent, with some viewing him as the most consistent English centre-back in the Premier League. If Liverpool secure his signature for £45 million, it could prove to be a smart, strategic signing—comparable to previous successes like Mac Allister and Jota.
In short, Liverpool are making assertive moves in the transfer market, and Marc Guehi could be the next crucial addition. His experience, consistency, and leadership might be exactly what Liverpool need to mount a serious title challenge once again