With just under two weeks remaining before the transfer window closes, Liverpool are running out of time to secure a deal for Marc Guehi.
Talks have been ongoing with Crystal Palace regarding the defender (per Fabrizio Romano), but Miguel Delaney reported on Monday that negotiations have hit a roadblock, with a £10m difference still separating the two clubs’ valuations of the 25-year-old. Neither side is currently prepared to adjust their stance.
The Athletic’s latest Transfer DealSheet, released on Tuesday morning, also highlighted Liverpool’s continued interest in the Palace skipper, whose contract is set to expire next summer.
Liverpool set for fresh talks over Guehi this week
David Ornstein revealed that Liverpool have already held ‘initial dialogue’ with Crystal Palace regarding Marc Guehi, but progress has been limited since those early discussions.
According to Ornstein, if the defender does leave Selhurst Park before the window shuts, his priority is Liverpool. The Reds, meanwhile, are not expected to chase an alternative centre-back should a deal collapse, as they feel confident in already having four top-class options in that position.
James Pearce also provided an update, confirming that while Liverpool and Palace have spoken about a possible transfer, there remains a considerable gap in their valuations of the England international. Further negotiations between the clubs are anticipated later this week.
With Guehi entering the final year of his contract, Liverpool see him as an attractive market option, knowing Palace risk losing him for free next summer.
Something must give if Liverpool are to land Guehi this month
Following the recent arrival of Giovanni Leoni as a fourth senior centre-back, Liverpool’s stance is clear: it’s Guehi or nothing in terms of defensive reinforcements this summer.
While Leoni’s signing has eased the immediate pressure to strengthen at the back, the Reds’ recent defensive frailties have left many fans convinced there’s still room for improvement.
For a deal to materialise in August, Liverpool would likely need to raise their current £35m offer, or Crystal Palace would have to come down from their £45m asking price (The Independent).
Palace know this may be their best opportunity to cash in on their captain, whose contract runs until 2026, but they must weigh the risk of losing a key player against the challenge of finding a replacement so late in the window.
Something will have to shift if Liverpool are to complete the signing before the 1 September deadline. Palace will understandably fight to keep hold of their defender, but sporting director Richard Hughes has already shown he can pull off a smart deal — and this could be his biggest test yet.
This week may prove decisive in Liverpool’s pursuit of the 25-year-old.
