Arne Slot reveals how close Liverpool came to signing Marc Guehi
Arne Slot has confirmed that Liverpool were on the brink of securing Marc Guehi this summer, only for the transfer to collapse in the final hours of deadline day.
The 25-year-old Crystal Palace captain appeared set for a move to Anfield, with paperwork submitted before the window closed. However, Palace ultimately pulled the plug, deciding against selling their star defender.
Slot on Guehi deal falling through
Speaking in his pre-Burnley press conference, Slot admitted just how close the Reds came to landing the England international.
“It would be ridiculous for me to deny we were close to signing [Guehi],” Slot said. “That was out in the open. But in football, things can change at the very last moment. This is one of those cases.”
While acknowledging Guehi’s quality, Slot stressed that Liverpool still have strong depth in defence.
“Of course we wanted him, but we’re not without options. Against Arsenal, Virgil and Ibou were outstanding, and Joe came on and impressed as well. We’ve also brought in Giovanni Leoni, who just earned his first international call-up, plus Ryan and Wata, so it’s not as though we’re short.”
Guehi still admired at Anfield
Reports suggest Liverpool could revisit the move for Guehi next summer, potentially as a free transfer. However, Real Madrid are also rumoured to be monitoring the same opportunity, which could spark a battle for his signature.
Liverpool’s willingness to make bold moves in the market was already evident this summer, most notably with the record-breaking £125 million signing of Alexander Isak on deadline day — a deal that was completed on the same day Guehi was expected to arrive.
Reflecting on the failed move, Slot added:
“It’s a pity, not just for us but also for the player. Still, he’s in a good place at Palace, playing under a very good manager and having already won the Community Shield and FA Cup. We’ll see what the future holds.”
With Guehi firmly on Liverpool’s radar and new signing Leoni adding depth, the coming months will decide whether the Reds return for the Palace defender or move on to other targets.
