As Liverpool prepare to face Crystal Palace in the 2025 Community Shield at Wembley Stadium, attention is focused not only on the match but also on the imminent transfer talks involving Liverpool’s top defensive target, Marc Guehi. Guehi, a 25-year-old England international centre-back currently with Crystal Palace, has reportedly agreed personal terms with Liverpool on a five-year contract with an option for an additional year.

Liverpool is determined to finalize the deal after the Community Shield clash, with Palace demanding £45 million for the defender, who is under contract until the end of the 2025/26 season. Liverpool are understood to be the only club seriously pursuing Guehi, as Chelsea have not made a move despite their own defensive injury issues. The transfer pursuit reflects Liverpool's ongoing strategy to strengthen their defence following last season’s Premier League triumph.

Meanwhile, Liverpool is also eyeing Parma teenager Giovanni Leoni as part of their squad refreshment, with reports indicating the club has warned rivals Inter Milan and AC Milan against potential bids for the promising young player.

Off the pitch, Liverpool faces challenges in their attacking line with a top Premier League striker reportedly deciding against joining the club this summer. Additionally, Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez is set to leave for Saudi Pro League club Al-Hilal, with Liverpool poised to sell another attacking star for around £40 million amid advancing talks with Tottenham Hotspur.

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Regarding the Community Shield, Crystal Palace enters the fixture after securing their first major silverware by winning the FA Cup and preparing to contest the match in their first-ever Community Shield appearance. Palace’s squad remains largely intact from their successful 2024–25 campaign, while Liverpool has undergone a significant summer overhaul, having been Europe’s biggest spenders. Liverpool is expected to use this match to assert their championship credentials before the new Premier League season begins.