Liverpool could use one of their players as a potential ‘make weight’ in order to get a deal for Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi over the line this summer
Liverpool have already strengthened their squad with seven summer signings — Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong, Milos Kerkez, Hugo Ekitike, Armin Pecsi, Freddie Woodman, and Giorgi Mamardashvili — but the Reds remain active in the transfer market ahead of the September 1 deadline.
On Friday, Arne Slot’s side kicked off their 2025/26 Premier League campaign with a 4-2 victory over Bournemouth at Anfield. While Liverpool’s attacking quality was on full display, defensive concerns were exposed as Antoine Semenyo scored twice.
The Reds’ defensive options have been stretched following Jarell Quansah’s summer departure to Bayer Leverkusen. Slot currently has just three centre-backs — Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konate, and new signing Giovanni Leoni — with midfielders Wataru Endo and Ryan Gravenberch available to fill in if needed.
Rhys Williams, who spent last season on loan at Morecambe, could also be an option in defence, but he is expected to move on this summer amid interest from EFL clubs.
The potential arrival of Marc Guehi would bring much-needed Premier League and international experience to Arne Slot’s squad. However, completing a deal could prove complicated.
Speaking on Football Focus on Saturday, BBC Sport’s Sami Mokbel provided an update:
“The Liverpool situation has presented itself now. I think he would go. A deal at the moment, an agreement between the clubs, isn’t forthcoming and hasn’t happened. My understanding is that Marc Guehi will play tomorrow against Chelsea, which is a bit of a risk when you consider injury and stuff like that, and then talks will recommence on Monday. But there is definitely legs in that deal.”
Several adjustments may still be required to facilitate Guehi’s move to Merseyside.
Crystal Palace attacking midfielder Eberechi Eze has been heavily linked with both Arsenal and Spurs in recent days and appears set to leave the Eagles this summer.
As a result, Palace are likely to look for a replacement and have already expressed interest in Leicester City’s Bilal El Khannouss.
Reports have also suggested that Liverpool’s Harvey Elliott could be included in a potential swap deal, which could benefit both clubs. Elliott’s future remains uncertain this summer, and he may be used as part of a player-plus-cash arrangement to facilitate Marc Guehi’s move to Merseyside. The England youth international has also been linked with a move to Bundesliga side RB Leipzig.
Such an arrangement would see Liverpool strengthen their defence with Guehi, while Palace would gain financially and secure a ready-made replacement for Eze if he departs this summer.
