Liverpool given Marc Guehi green light as Crystal Palace make Manuel Akanji approach
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Credit: Breaking Media/Manh Tung/Manchester City FC
Chris Smith
Tue 26 August 2025 18:01, UK
Liverpool have been given a major boost in their pursuit of Marc Guehi, with Crystal Palace reportedly making an approach for Manuel Akanji.
The Reds have been pushing to sign Guehi all summer amid competition from Newcastle United — who have already lost out to the defending champions in the race to sign Hugo Ekitike.
Liverpool are also still in the hunt for Magpies striker Alexander Isak, but were urged by Jeff Stelling to go all in on Guehi following a shaky start to the season at the back.
Now, the path may have been cleared for Arne Slot, with Crystal Palace making moves to sign a centre-back of their own.
Manuel Akanji is in demand (Credit: Imago)
According to BBC Sport (26 August), Palace have made an inquiry to Manchester City about Akanji’s availability.
The 30-year-old is thought to be up for sale this summer, with Pep Guardiola also having Ruben Dias, Abdukodir Khusanov, John Stones and Nathan Ake at his disposal — as well as Josko Gvardiol being able to shift in from the left.
Akanji has two years left on his contract at the Etihad Stadium, but could be available for as little as £15million — which is less than half the asking price Palace are demanding for Guehi.
Man City statsManuel AkanjiAppearances136Goals5Assists3Trophies5Manuel Akanji’s Manchester City career stats
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Galatasaray have made a push to sign Akanji this summer, but the Switzerland international shut down any talk of him heading to Turkey with a direct response to journalist Fabrizio Romano.
However, a move to within the Premier League to Palace may be enticing for Akanji — especially given he is yet to play a single minute for Man City so far this season and was left out of the squad entirely against Spurs.
Liverpool are pushing to sign Marc Guehi (Credit: Manh Tung, Breaking Media)
Liverpool will be keeping a close eye on Palace’s move for Akanji, likely praying the Eagles are successful.
The former Borussia Dortmund man would be an eye-catching addition for the FA Cup winners, to say the least.
And while Palace still wouldn’t have depth in the middle of defence — with only Maxence Lacroix and Chris Richards available to Oliver Glasner aside from Guehi — Akanji’s arrival would surely be seen as a viable replacement for Guehi given his quality and experience.
Glasner has remained steadfast in his stance on Guehi this summer, but surely, the Austrian coach will be less nervous about losing the England international if he can be replaced with a Premier League and Champions League winner.
Steve Parish may also be more open to cashing in on Guehi once a replacement has been found, with £35m far better compensation for one of the Premier League’s better centre-backs than nothing next summer.
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