How Liverpool feel about potential 2026 Marc Guehi swoop after deadline day move collapses
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Liverpool have agreed a £35 million deal with Crystal Palace for defender Marc Guehi, who is expected to undergo a medical on the final day of the transfer window. This move comes after weeks of speculation and negotiations, with Liverpool reportedly ready to bid more than £30 million to secure the 25-year-old center-back before the deadline. Crystal Palace initially demanded around £45 million for their captain, so the agreed fee signals some compromise between the two clubs.
The transfer was influenced by Palace's efforts to bolster their defensive options, as they sought a replacement center-back before allowing Guehi to leave. This was complicated by issues such as the failed loan move for Brighton defender Igor Julio to Palace, which may have delayed or threatened the Guehi deal. There were concerns that should the deal collapse, Guehi would remain at Selhurst Park for the season's remainder but with only a year left on his contract, leaving uncertainty about his future beyond 2026.
Liverpool's defense has appeared unsettled early in the season, prompting an urgent need to strengthen at the back. Liverpool insiders have indicated a strong admiration for Guehi and are prepared to continue pursuing him, potentially returning to sign him in 2026 if this window's negotiations had failed. However, this deadline day agreement suggests the club is committed to resolving their defensive vulnerabilities promptly.
Fans and commentators alike have expressed eagerness for the deal to be completed swiftly, viewing Guehi as the best available option to shore up Liverpool’s defense for the current campaign. The transfer reflects Liverpool’s strategic approach to both immediate squad needs and longer-term squad planning, balancing transfer fees, player contracts, and team performance requirements.
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