Some transfer chases disappear quietly, but others linger like unfinished business — and **Liverpool’s pursuit of Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi** is firmly in the latter category. Since the end of last season, the Reds have been determined to bring the England international to Anfield, viewing him not merely as another signing, but as the future leader of their defensive line.
#### **A Deal That Slipped Away**
As the summer window neared its end, optimism grew across Merseyside. Reports claimed Liverpool were close to agreeing a £35 million deal for Guehi, who was said to favour a move to Anfield over rivals like Newcastle and Tottenham.
But just when everything seemed set, the move collapsed. Crystal Palace pulled out at the last minute after failing to find a replacement, leaving Liverpool frustrated — and Guehi reportedly just as disappointed.
#### **Persistence Behind the Scenes**
Liverpool didn’t give up. With Guehi’s contract running until 2026, the Reds have played the long game, confident that patience could yet pay off. Journalist **Florian Plettenberg** revealed that Liverpool were “giving everything” to make the move happen — even if it means waiting until Guehi becomes available on a free.
However, competition has intensified. **Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich** have joined the race, setting up what could become one of the most closely watched transfer battles of 2025.
Inside Anfield, both **Arne Slot** and sporting director **Richard Hughes** remain calm but determined. With Van Dijk aging, Konaté struggling for consistency, and younger defenders still developing, Guehi fits perfectly into Liverpool’s vision — intelligent, composed, and a natural organiser.
#### **The January Crossroads**
According to **Sky Sports’ Mark McAdam**, Guehi has no plans to leave Palace in January, choosing instead to focus on his captaincy and his place in England’s World Cup squad. While Liverpool fans admire his professionalism, some fear the delay could open the door for European giants to step in.
Palace are still hopeful of extending his stay, just as they did with **Michael Olise**. But if Guehi refuses new terms by January, foreign clubs will be allowed to negotiate a pre-contract — a rule that hands Liverpool’s overseas rivals a huge advantage.
#### **A Leader with Lofty Ambitions**
When asked about his future, Guehi kept his answer short but telling: *“My focus is on Crystal Palace. I’m proud to wear the armband.”* His maturity, humility, and leadership have only strengthened the belief that he’s destined for a bigger challenge.
Palace supporters adore him, yet many accept that his journey may soon take him beyond Selhurst Park. For Liverpool, though, Guehi isn’t just a target — he’s part of a long-term vision.
#### **The Bigger Picture**
Arne Slot’s project at Liverpool is centred around intelligence, control, and leadership — the exact traits Guehi embodies. Reports suggest Slot frequently mentions him in tactical meetings, calling him *“a calm presence under pressure, strong in duels, and vocal when it matters most.”*
Barcelona view him as the ideal successor to **Ronald Araújo**, while Madrid see him as a future partner for **Éder Militão**. Yet Liverpool’s English connection — and their emphasis on Premier League-proven talent — could give them the edge.
#### **What Lies Ahead**
With winter approaching, Liverpool fans remain divided: push hard in January, or wait until the summer for a potentially better deal? Whatever the timing, one fact remains — **Marc Guehi** sits firmly at the top of Liverpool’s wishlist.
Every match he plays for Palace only strengthens his case, fuelling speculation that his next step will lead him to Anfield.
Because some transfer stories never fade — they build, season after season, until they reach their inevitable conclusion. And for **Marc Guehi and Liverpool**, that ending may be closer than ever.
