Liverpool’s transfer window has already been a rollercoaster of drama and bold moves — but as the Premier League season begins, the pressure is mounting for decisions to be made quickly. Just hours before their opener against Bournemouth, the club finds itself at a crucial crossroads. The long-running pursuit of Marc Guehi, a saga that has dominated much of the summer, now looks set to reach its climax. And for Liverpool, this potential signing isn’t just about bolstering their defence — it’s about reaffirming their intent to stay at the very top.
The situation is layered. Giovanni Leoni’s switch from Parma is all but completed, with the Italian defender reportedly in England for his medical. That deal is a near certainty, but insiders have always suggested he wouldn’t be the only defensive arrival. With Jarell Quansah departing for Bayer Leverkusen and Ibrahima Konaté’s future still uncertain due to his stalled contract talks, the need for reinforcements at centre-back has only intensified.
Enter Marc Guehi. The Crystal Palace and England defender has been one of the most reliable performers in the league. Composed on the ball, agile across the ground, and strong in duels, he represents the exact profile Arne Slot wants in his back line. Liverpool have admired him for some time, but, as always, the sticking point is price.
Palace are holding out for £45–50m, while Liverpool’s valuation sits closer to £35–40m. That £10m gap has been the main barrier to progress. Palace, of course, feel justified — Guehi is an international-calibre defender in his prime. Liverpool, though, believe Palace’s hand is weakening. His contract runs down next summer, and recent developments have shifted the dynamics in their favour.
A ruling from the Court of Arbitration for Sport has ended Palace’s hopes of competing in Europe this season. Without the lure — or financial rewards — of continental football, keeping hold of Guehi has lost much of its competitive logic. With time running out before the window shuts, Liverpool sense Palace’s resolve could soften.
For Guehi himself, the move is attractive. Competing for trophies, playing Champions League football, and developing under Slot’s high-intensity system are exactly the challenges he craves. His versatility and ability to slot alongside Virgil van Dijk or Konaté make him more than just another signing — he’s a key piece of Liverpool’s defensive puzzle.
The urgency is clear. Liverpool know the Premier League, Champions League, and domestic cups will stretch their squad to the limit. Injuries are inevitable, and ensuring depth at centre-back now could be decisive later in the season.
Behind the scenes, sporting director Richard Hughes is pushing hard to close the gap in negotiations. His approach this summer has been efficient and aggressive, but Guehi’s case requires careful handling. Palace don’t want to appear forced into selling, yet Liverpool are quietly confident the combination of contract pressure, financial reality, and Guehi’s own ambitions will tilt the deal their way.
Securing both Leoni and Guehi before the end of August would be a statement of intent — proof that Liverpool are backing Slot fully in his debut campaign. After missing out in the Community Shield, some doubters have questioned whether enough has been done in the transfer market. Completing a double defensive reinforcement would silence those concerns immediately.
For now, Guehi remains a Palace player. He trains, he plays, but everyone knows that could change within days. If the valuation gap narrows, Liverpool could have their man in time to settle quickly into the squad.
This is no ordinary transfer. It is a test of Liverpool’s ambition, their negotiating clout, and their determination to keep ahead of their rivals. And with the season about to erupt into full swing, the outcome could shape not only their defence — but the entire title race
