Paul Merson predicts what will happen to Marc Guehi now after Liverpool move fell through on deadline day
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Liverpool missed out on only one of their top summer targets.
The Marc Guehi saga dominated headlines on deadline day as the Reds missed out on their final signing by a matter of hours to complete a summer rebuild for the ages.
Guehi was wanted to help strengthen Liverpool’s backline for the season ahead, as they prepare to defend their Premier League title.
It was a move that garnered the footballing world’s attention as the England international wanted a move away from Crystal Palace, but was denied even when he tried his best to handle the situation correctly.
Photo by Eddie Keogh – The FA/The FA via Getty Images
It is all the more pertinent that issues surrounding Ibrahima Konate’s future have made the failed move sting a little more for the Merseyside giants.
However, it also begs the question of what will come of the Palace captain after the whole ordeal has been played out publicly.
The Eagles’ leader was a top priority for Arne Slot’s team for a reason: his composure leading his team and his strength on the ball were qualities admired by the transfer department.
Former Arsenal player Paul Merson has given his verdict now on whether the issues surrounding his move to the club will have an impact on how he plays for the rest of the season.
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For some players, it can have a hugely detrimental effect and can lead to poor performances on the pitch because their head is elsewhere.
But Merson believes the mindset of the 25-year-old is what will keep him in the right frame of mind ahead of the new season.
He wrote for Sportskeeda: “I don’t think the failed transfer to Liverpool on deadline day will have a huge impact on Marc Guehi’s performances.
“He has been a true professional in terms of how he has behaved in recent weeks.”
The bigger story around his failed move was his attitude of continuing to play for the club despite all the backroom noise about his transfer.
It was heavily compared to Alexander Isak, who completed his £125 million move to Liverpool despite his refusal to play for Newcastle United.
The former English midfielder felt this was unfair for the young star who never got his dream move.
“I think it’s unfair that people who complained like Alexander Isak got the move, while Guehi did not.
But I don’t think he will ruin his image by behaving in the wrong way now,” he wrote.
It is a shame that the defender was not able to make his move, but his club did try to engage fully with Liverpool, even if issues ended up derailing the transfer.
Isak did make his feelings known towards a move at the very end of last season, but he was denied at each step of the way before having to resort to some different tactics.