Liverpool Close In on Marc Guéhi as Crystal Palace Prepare to Cash In
Liverpool’s pursuit of Crystal Palace captain Marc Guéhi has intensified in recent weeks, with the Reds making it clear that the England international is one of their top defensive priorities this summer. Talks between the clubs have progressed significantly, with Guéhi himself understood to be eager for the move to Anfield. Personal terms have reportedly been agreed, and all signs now point to a deal being a matter of when, not if.
The stumbling block, however, remains the fee. Crystal Palace are believed to be holding out for a package worth around £45 million, while Liverpool has indicated they are unwilling to meet that valuation in full. Instead, the Merseyside club is hopeful that Palace will accept a bid in the region of £35 to £40 million, inclusive of add-ons. With Guéhi entering the final two years of his contract and showing no signs of extending, Palace chairman Steve Parish has admitted the club may be forced to sell if they don’t want to lose him for free in 2026.
This high-profile transfer battle has not gone unnoticed by fans and pundits alike. Amid the growing anticipation, many football enthusiasts have turned to non gamstop sports betting sites, known for user-friendly interfaces and competitive odds, to follow the odds and market movement surrounding Guéhi’s potential switch.
Behind the scenes, it's understood that Palace is already preparing for life without their star defender. Chairman Parish has reportedly given the green light to lower the club’s asking price, especially with Guéhi pushing for the move. Reports also suggest that Palace are actively encouraging a sale to Liverpool, believing that the player’s heart is already set on Anfield. Despite Oliver Glasner’s reluctance to lose his defensive anchor, the club seems resigned to letting him go if the right offer arrives in the coming days.
For Liverpool, the acquisition of Guéhi would be yet another strategic move in a productive summer window. The club has already strengthened its ranks across various positions, and Guéhi is seen as a long-term replacement for the dedicated Virgil van Dijk. However, with Ibrahima Konaté’s future uncertain and Joe Gomez struggling for consistent fitness, a reliable central defender like Guéhi fits both the tactical and developmental profiles Arne Slot is looking for.
Guéhi’s performances for Crystal Palace last season were nothing short of outstanding, and his leadership during their FA Cup-winning campaign has only elevated his status. At 24, he combines Premier League experience with untapped potential, making him one of the most sought-after defenders in English football. His commanding presence and ability to play out from the back would be invaluable assets in Liverpool’s evolving style under Slot.
Losing Guéhi would leave a hole in their squad, and Glasner is thought to be pushing the board for immediate reinforcements if the sale goes through. There have even been murmurs of tension between manager and player, with one report hinting at a dressing-room disagreement, though details remain vague and unconfirmed.
As the transfer window nears its close, both clubs are under pressure to finalise the deal. For Liverpool, sealing Guéhi’s signature would round off a summer of smart, future-focused recruitment. For Palace, it would be a pragmatic move to cash in before the risk of losing their captain for nothing becomes reality.
Whether the two clubs can agree on a final fee remains to be seen, but what’s certain is that Guéhi’s future is edging ever closer to Merseyside.