“It’s going to be difficult”: Liverpool handed blow in their pursuit of 25-year-old star

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Liverpool have suffered a setback in their pursuit of Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi. The potential transfer, which had seen Liverpool enter talks and agree personal terms with the England international, now faces complications as Guehi reportedly seeks further assurances regarding consistent game time ahead of the upcoming World Cup.

The 25-year-old has been a central figure for Crystal Palace since joining from Chelsea in 2021 and is considered one of England's top defenders. Liverpool had prioritized strengthening their central defense after showing vulnerabilities, notably in the Community Shield defeat to Crystal Palace. Despite already investing heavily in other positions during the current transfer window—including signings like Florian Wirtz, Hugo Ekitike, Milos Kerkez, and Jeremie Frimpong—Liverpool identified Guehi as a key target to bolster their defensive depth.

Discussions between Liverpool and Crystal Palace were reportedly progressing, with a potential total transfer fee around £35 million. However, Guehi's desire for guaranteed playing time is a significant factor, especially with the World Cup looming, making his eventual move uncertain.

Meanwhile, Crystal Palace have started eyeing replacements in case Guehi leaves, with Arsenal’s Jakub Kiwior among their primary targets. Liverpool continue their efforts to strengthen their squad defensively, with Juventus also linked to various defensive reinforcements, but Guehi's situation remains a critical focus in their transfer strategy.

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