Below is a summary of the full article. Click here for the full version or go back to LFC Live.net

Image Credits: Getty Images

Liverpool’s 2-2 penalty defeat to Crystal Palace at Wembley showcased both the excitement and growing pains of Arne Slot’s ambitious squad overhaul.

While the result stung, there were plenty of encouraging moments that suggest the Premier League champions are building something special for the new season.

The standout performance came from new signing Hugo Ekitike, who announced his arrival in English football with a sublime opener just four minutes in.

The French striker’s clever movement and clinical finish, spinning on the edge of the box after a neat one-two with Florian Wirtz, demonstrated exactly why Liverpool invested £69 million in his services.

Although Liverpool twice went up a goal to the good, defensive fragilities meant that Palace were able to take the game to extra time.

During the penalty shoot-out, Mohamed Salah blazed his effort over the bar while both Alexis Mac Allister and Harvey Elliott were denied by an inspired Dean Henderson.

Slot’s post-match assessment was telling, acknowledging that his side “don’t concede a lot of chances but we do concede goals at the moment”.

It then came as ironic that there was so much chatter about Liverpool’s defensive cover when their No.1 target in Marc Guehi was captain of the opposing team.

Back in March already, DaveOCKOP.com reported that Liverpool had made contact with the Palace defender and his representatives.

Furthermore, we exclusively revealed that he had an agreement on personal terms with the Anfield club.

Now, Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish has spoken on the transfer situation of Marc Guehi this summer.

Speaking to reporters at Wembley, Parish admitted that a conclusion needs to come at some point- be it a new contract or another “conclusion of some kind”:

“For players of that calibre to leave on a free, it’s a problem,” he said.

“We had one bid last summer but Joachim Andersen went to Fulham and we couldn’t afford to lose both of them.”

“We then had another bid in January but that was a difficult situation, and the player had a point of view on that one.”

“So, we just have to see what happens, but it needs a new contract or a conclusion of some kind.”

An advantage for Liverpool signing Guehi is his homegrown status, which assists in meeting the Premier League’s squad registration requirements.

However, Palace’s negotiating position is complicated by Chelsea’s 20% sell-on clause, inserted in his £18 million move from Stamford Bridge to Selhurst Park in 2021.

Want to get the latest Liverpool news direct to your phone
For more news relating to Chelsea, visit our sister site Chelsea Latest Live.