๐ด 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.
๐ Why This Move Makes Sense
- Opportunity Arises: Guehi enters the final year of his contract at Crystal Palace and has informed the club he doesnโt intend to renewโpressuring 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).
- Liverpoolโs Need: With Jarell Quansah close to joining Bayer Leverkusen and uncertainty around Joe Gomez and Ibrahima Konatรฉโs futures, Liverpool are looking to reinforce their centre-back options alongside Virgil van Dijk (talksport.com).
๐ค Advanced Talks Underway
- โฌ35โฏmillion deal: Fabrizio Romano reports that Liverpool are in โvery advancedโ discussions for Guehi at around โฌ35 million, pending Quansahโs sale .
- Significant offer being prepared: The Telegraphโs Chris Bascombe confirms Liverpool are readying a substantial bid now that Palaceโs hand has been weakened (thisisanfield.com).
โ 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 timeโsomething 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 FAโฏCup), Guehi is seen as an ideal complement to van Dijk (footballtransfertavern.com).
๐งฉ Squad Strategy & Timing
- Quansahโs exit likely: A deal for Quansah to Leverkusen is near completion for around ยฃ30โ35 million, which would create space and budget for Guehiโs 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).
๐ What Happens Next?
- Palace awaits bids: With Diomande lined up and Guehi refusing to renew, a bid from Liverpool in the ยฃ30โ40 million range is expected soon.
- Official confirmation pending: Once Quansahโs departure is finalized, Liverpool could swiftly announce Guehiโs signing.
โ Summary Table
| โ Situation | ๐ Details |
|---|---|
| Player | Marc Guehi (24), Crystal Palace captain, England CB |
| Fee | โฌ35โฏmillion (~ยฃ30โฏmillion), possibly higher |
| Condition | Wants regular starts |
| Why Liverpool? | Squad depth, homegrown spot, value buy |
| Timing | After Quansah sale; bid imminent |
๐ฃ๏ธ What Fans Are Saying
A Reddit thread noted the potential deal isnโt just rumor:
โLiverpool target Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehiโฆ Liverpool are in โpole positionโ to clinch a dealโ (reddit.com, footballtransfers.com, thisisanfield.com, thisisanfield.com, thepeoplesperson.com)
Bottom line: Liverpool are in advanced stages of securing Marc Guehiโa strategic, low-risk move to freshen up their back line and maintain momentum in the Arne Slot
