Liverpool’s summer transfer window has already been hectic, and the closing stages promise to be even more decisive. Just hours before their Premier League opener against Bournemouth, focus has swung back to a familiar name: Marc Guehi.
The Reds are close to sealing a deal for 18-year-old Giovanni Leoni from Parma, with the Italian defender already in England for his medical. But that move alone won’t solve Liverpool’s defensive puzzle. The sale of Jarell Quansah to Bayer Leverkusen and uncertainty surrounding Ibrahima Konaté’s future have left the squad thin at centre-back.
That’s why Guehi remains firmly on the radar. The Crystal Palace star has been one of the Premier League’s most reliable defenders—dominant in duels, calm under pressure, and tactically astute. Liverpool’s admiration is no secret, but negotiations have long been hampered by price.
Palace have stood firm at £45–50m, while Liverpool have valued the England international closer to £35–40m. That standoff stalled talks—until now.
A recent Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) ruling dashed Palace’s hopes of European competition, stripping them of crucial revenue streams. With Guehi’s contract expiring next summer, the Eagles face a dilemma: sell now or risk losing him for nothing.
For Guehi, the timing could not be better. The 24-year-old is eager to test himself at the highest level, chase silverware, and compete in Europe—ambitions Liverpool can fulfill. His profile suits Arne Slot’s system perfectly, complementing Virgil van Dijk while offering flexibility across the back line.
Slot, meanwhile, is pressing for reinforcements as a long season looms, with injuries already a concern. New sporting director Richard Hughes is said to be pushing hard to exploit Palace’s weakened bargaining position, believing that Guehi’s desire to move could accelerate a breakthrough.
Should Liverpool manage to bring in both Leoni and Guehi before deadline day, it would mark a significant show of intent. After the Community Shield setback, two defensive signings of this calibre would not only strengthen the squad but also silence doubts over the club’s ambition under Slot’s leadership.
For now, Guehi continues to train with Palace. But with the financial pressure mounting and the gap in valuations narrowing, a deal could materialize in the coming days.
This is more than just a defensive reinforcement. It’s a statement about Liverpool’s vision, their strength in negotiations, and perhaps even the trajectory of this season’s title race.
