Arne Slot Hints at Liverpool Transfer Priority as Marc Guehi £20m Deal Agreed

Manchester City have swooped in to sign Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi for around £20m plus add-ons, totaling nearly £30m, after Liverpool hesitated over manager Arne Slot's future. Guehi, whose contract was expiring, verbally agreed a 5.5-year deal making him a top earner at City, prompting Palace boss Oliver Glasner—who is also leaving at season's end—to confirm the England international won't play in their next match.[1][2]

The drama traces back to summer when Guehi was midway through a medical for Liverpool, only for Palace to pull out last-minute without a replacement. Recent reports claim Guehi directly asked Liverpool if Slot would remain manager next season, receiving a vague "no comment" response. This uncertainty allowed City to capitalize, securing an agreement in principle despite Palace's initial £35m demand.[1][2]

Liverpool sources insist no immediate plans exist to sack Slot, but results must improve, with a decision likely post-season. Speculation swirls around Xabi Alonso as a potential successor, given Liverpool's prior interest when Jürgen Klopp departed and Alonso's recent Real Madrid exit.[2]

Slot now eyes centre-back alternatives: Nico Schlotterbeck from Borussia Dortmund (contract to 2027, open to offers), Alessandro Bastoni from Inter Milan (£80m fee possible), and Giovanni Di Lorenzo or Valentino Senesi—wait, no, Valentino Senesi from Bournemouth, whose deal ends soon and who seeks a step up with Premier League experience.[3]

Arne Slot's post-match comments hinted at defensive reinforcements as a transfer priority, urging fans to stay patient amid the Reds' shaky form. City’s gain underscores Liverpool's internal doubts, shifting focus to these backups for January or summer moves.[1][2][3]

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