“I don’t agree…” – Jamie Carragher disputes Liverpool transfer perception in deadline day verdict
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Jamie Carragher has given his verdict on Liverpool's transfer dealings involving Alexander Isak and Marc Guehi during the 2025 summer window. Liverpool successfully secured a British record signing by acquiring striker Alexander Isak from Newcastle United for approximately £130 million. Isak, who had a strong previous season, finally realized his dream move to a club competing for top honors, and the transfer was officially completed after some delay, with the player undergoing his medicals at Liverpool[1][2][5].
However, the situation with Marc Guehi, the Crystal Palace centre-back, proved more complicated. Liverpool had pursued Guehi aggressively and even had Palace's permission for him to undergo a medical in London. Despite personal terms reportedly being agreed, the Guehi deal collapsed due to Crystal Palace's inability to bring in a replacement defender before the transfer deadline, which made the club reluctant to let Guehi leave. Steve Parish, Palace’s chairman, was said to prefer keeping Guehi because Palace were navigating a difficult situation and worried about weakening their squad, despite Guehi himself wanting the move to Liverpool[1][2][3][4].
Carragher’s commentary reflects understanding of both Liverpool’s ambition and Palace's predicament. He implied that Liverpool’s willingness to pay £35 million for Guehi showed their clear interest but suggested Palace’s decision to retain Guehi was rational in their context. Guehi had been an influential figure and Crystal Palace were in a tight spot, which complicated the transfer. Liverpool's focus thus shifted mainly to Isak, who they expect to bolster their attacking options significantly[3][4].
The article highlights the strategic contrasts between the two negotiations: a record-breaking forward transfer that was completed, signaling Liverpool's offensive reinforcement, and a defensive signing that stalled due to external squad concerns at the selling club. It illustrates the complexities of transfer dealings, where player ambition, club needs, and timing must align, with the Liverpool-Isak move prevailing and the Guehi deal pending future developments.
PP