Liverpool Closing in on £40M Deal for “Monster” Defender Marc Guehi – Seen as Potential Mane-Style Signing
Liverpool are reportedly set to open talks within the next 24 hours to sign Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi, with a potential £40 million deal on the table. The transfer has drawn comparisons to Sadio Mane’s arrival in 2016—an acquisition that marked a new era at Anfield.
Following their Premier League success, Liverpool could have opted to slow down. Instead, they’ve taken an aggressive approach in the transfer market, securing several notable signings already.
Despite losing Trent Alexander-Arnold, the Reds have reinforced the flanks with Jeremie Frimpong—expected to debut soon—and Milos Kerkez, who evokes memories of a young Andy Robertson. However, the standout addition so far has been Florian Wirtz. Signed for a Premier League record £116 million from Bayer Leverkusen, Wirtz is widely considered one of the top attacking midfielders in world football.
And yet, Liverpool’s business isn’t done.
While striker Alexander Isak remains a fan favorite target, his reported £200 million valuation by Newcastle makes that deal highly unlikely—particularly if Darwin Nunez departs for Napoli. Instead, the club has shifted focus to central defense, especially amid uncertainty around Ibrahima Konaté’s future due to Real Madrid’s interest.
Marc Guehi has emerged as a top candidate. Reports suggest Liverpool are now in pole position to finalize a deal, with talks between the clubs and the player’s camp expected within the next day. Palace are reportedly seeking £70 million, but with only one year left on Guehi’s contract—and a 20% sell-on clause owed to Chelsea—they may settle for around £40 million.
Guehi is seen as a smart Premier League-proven option, reflecting a strategy that has historically worked well for Liverpool—buying players with top-flight experience who adapt quickly. Past examples include Andy Robertson, Gini Wijnaldum, and Diogo Jota, all of whom became key contributors.
The Mane comparison stems not from position—Guehi is a centre-back—but from his potential to make an immediate impact. Like Mane, Guehi comes from a mid-table side and has proven himself in England’s top tier. At 24, he is entering his prime and has already earned praise as one of England’s best defenders.
Statistically, Guehi excelled in the 2024/25 Premier League season, ranking in the top 20% of centre-backs for blocks per 90 (1.62) and in the top 3% for passes blocked (0.94). He also averaged 4.3 ball recoveries per game, ranking highly among his peers.
If the deal is completed, Guehi could become another key piece in Liverpool’s evolving squad—bringing defensive stability, leadership, and a deep understanding of the league. Much like Mane before him, he may prove to be a transformative signing.
