Marc Guéhi Demands Starting Role to Consider Liverpool Move
Crystal Palace centre-back Marc Guéhi is reportedly only open to a Liverpool transfer if he’s guaranteed regular starts, according to Sky Sports.
The Reds are planning defensive changes this summer, with academy graduate Jarell Quansah set to join Bayer Leverkusen for around £34 million. This departure creates a potential vacancy in Arne Slot’s backline, and Liverpool have long seen Guéhi as a top candidate to strengthen their defense.
Playing Time Key to Guéhi’s Decision
While Liverpool and Guéhi are said to have agreed on personal terms, the transfer remains uncertain. Guéhi is a consistent starter at Palace and is unwilling to accept a bench role at a new club. He is adamant about maintaining his status as a first-choice centre-back—something that may be difficult to guarantee at Anfield, where Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konaté are already competing for minutes.
Despite Guéhi’s reputation as a “superstar” due to his reliable displays, Liverpool might hesitate to promise him an automatic starting place, especially given their current defensive hierarchy.
Price Tag Could Complicate Negotiations
Apart from playing time, financial factors could also impact the deal. Palace reportedly value Guéhi at £70 million. However, with only one year remaining on his contract, that fee might drop to around £45 million.
2024/25 Stats Comparison: Guéhi vs. Van Dijk and Konaté
| Metric | Guéhi | Van Dijk | Konaté |
|---|---|---|---|
| Appearances | 34 | 37 | 31 |
| Goals | 3 | 3 | 1 |
| Assists | 2 | 1 | 2 |
| Progressive Passes/90 | 3.94 | 5.35 | 4.05 |
| Tackles Won/90 | 1.00 | 0.54 | 0.92 |
| Interceptions/90 | 0.82 | 1.51 | 0.60 |
| Clearances/90 | 4.79 | 5.14 | 4.68 |
| Aerial Win % | 54.0% | 72.1% | 71.8% |
Liverpool’s Defensive Outlook Uncertain
Ibrahima Konaté’s future at the club is also up in the air, with just one year left on his deal. Reports suggest that Real Madrid could target him as a free agent next summer, adding to Liverpool’s defensive uncertainties—similar to the situation involving Trent Alexander-Arnold.
Given these unresolved issues, Guéhi could still become a crucial part of Liverpool’s plans. But unless the club can offer him a guaranteed key role, a transfer remains doubtful for now.
