🔴 Liverpool Close to Signing Crystal Palace Defender Marc Guehi
Liverpool appear to be moving swiftly to bring England centre-back Marc Guehi to Anfield amid a busy summer of defensive restructuring.
🔄 Why This Move Makes Sense
- Opportunity Arises: Guehi enters the final year of his contract at Crystal Palace and has informed the club he doesn’t intend to renew—pressuring them to consider a sale rather than risk losing him for free. Palace are actively seeking a replacement, reportedly eyeing Sporting CP’s Ousmane Diomande (thisisanfield.com).
- Liverpool’s Need: With Jarell Quansah close to joining Bayer Leverkusen and uncertainty around Joe Gomez and Ibrahima Konaté’s futures, Liverpool are looking to reinforce their centre-back options alongside Virgil van Dijk (talksport.com).
🤝 Advanced Talks Underway
- €35 million deal: Fabrizio Romano reports that Liverpool are in “very advanced” discussions for Guehi at around €35 million, pending Quansah’s sale .
- Significant offer being prepared: The Telegraph’s Chris Bascombe confirms Liverpool are readying a substantial bid now that Palace’s hand has been weakened (thisisanfield.com).
✅ Player Conditions & Suitability
- Homegrown status: As an English centre-back, Guehi fulfills UEFA homegrown criteria, providing flexibility in squad registration (thisisanfield.com).
- First-team assurances: Reports say Guehi will only agree to a move if guaranteed regular playing time—something Liverpool can offer under Arne Slot (footballtransfertavern.com).
- Playing style fit: Known for strong ground duels, composure, and leadership (he captained Palace to their first-ever FA Cup), Guehi is seen as an ideal complement to van Dijk (footballtransfertavern.com).
🧩 Squad Strategy & Timing
- Quansah’s exit likely: A deal for Quansah to Leverkusen is near completion for around £30–35 million, which would create space and budget for Guehi’s arrival (footballtransfers.com).
- Two-pronged approach: Reports suggest Liverpool may also target young Ajax defender Jorrel Hato for a long-term project, potentially bringing in two centre-backs this window (thisisanfield.com).
🔜 What Happens Next?
- Palace awaits bids: With Diomande lined up and Guehi refusing to renew, a bid from Liverpool in the £30–40 million range is expected soon.
- Official confirmation pending: Once Quansah’s departure is finalized, Liverpool could swiftly announce Guehi’s signing.
✅ Summary Table
✅ Situation | 📌 Details |
---|---|
Player | Marc Guehi (24), Crystal Palace captain, England CB |
Fee | €35 million (~£30 million), possibly higher |
Condition | Wants regular starts |
Why Liverpool? | Squad depth, homegrown spot, value buy |
Timing | After Quansah sale; bid imminent |
🗣️ What Fans Are Saying
A Reddit thread noted the potential deal isn’t just rumor:
“Liverpool target Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi… Liverpool are in ‘pole position’ to clinch a deal” (reddit.com, footballtransfers.com, thisisanfield.com, thisisanfield.com, thepeoplesperson.com)
Bottom line: Liverpool are in advanced stages of securing Marc Guehi—a strategic, low-risk move to freshen up their back line and maintain momentum in the Arne Slot