Liverpool Nears Record-Breaking £100m Signing of Marc Guéhi, Stunning Rivals
Liverpool is reportedly set to break the world record for the most expensive defender by completing a £100 million transfer for Crystal Palace’s Marc Guéhi — a move that has caught Manchester United and Arsenal off guard.
The 24-year-old England center-back, long pursued by both clubs, is expected to undergo a medical at Anfield on June 28, 2025. He has already agreed to a five-year contract with the Merseyside club.
Pushed forward by new sporting director Richard Hughes, the transfer highlights Liverpool manager Arne Slot’s aggressive push to strengthen the backline ahead of the 2025/26 Premier League and Champions League campaigns.
Guéhi, Palace’s captain last season, stood out with 102 ball recoveries, 56 clearances, and an 88% pass completion rate. He also earned acclaim during Euro 2024 for his calmness and leadership.
The £100m package — including add-ons — will surpass the current record for a defender, overtaking Manchester United’s £80 million signing of Harry Maguire in 2019. It also puts Guéhi ahead of Liverpool’s own Virgil van Dijk (£75m) and Manchester City’s Josko Gvardiol (£77m).
Palace had initially turned down a £70 million bid, holding firm on their valuation as Guéhi approaches the final year of his contract.
United and Arsenal, both previously in the race for the defender, are now left to reassess. United had been balancing interest in Guéhi with a £52.1m deal for Lille’s Leny Yoro and recently spent £110 million on striker Viktor Gyökeres. Arsenal had targeted Guéhi as a partner for William Saliba but have shifted their attention to Riccardo Calafiori from Bologna.
Sources suggest Guéhi favored Liverpool’s offer due to guaranteed playing time alongside van Dijk and a key role in Slot’s system, in contrast to the rotational risks he might face at Arsenal or United.
Social media reactions from rival fans show disbelief. One United fan wrote, “Guéhi to Liverpool for £100m? We’ve been outplayed again,” while an Arsenal supporter said, “Arteta wanted him, but Liverpool just stole the show.”
Liverpool’s urgent need for defensive reinforcements — with Ibrahima Konaté potentially departing in 2026 and Andy Robertson out long-term with an ACL injury — pushed the club to make this high-profile move.
The Reds have been active in the market, using funds from the £35 million sale of Jarell Quansah and a new Adidas sponsorship to finance a £287 million summer overhaul. Guéhi joins a lineup of incoming players including Florian Wirtz, Milos Kerkez, and Freddie Woodman, signaling Liverpool’s ambition to regain dominance as their rivals scramble to keep pace.
