Crystal Palace owner reveals the real reason behind collapse of Marc Guehi deal

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Crystal Palace owner Steve Parish has disclosed the genuine reason behind the collapse of Marc Guehi's £35 million transfer to Liverpool on Deadline Day. Despite the clubs agreeing on a fee and Guehi undergoing a medical, Palace ultimately chose to withdraw from the deal. Parish explained that the pivotal factor in this decision was Liverpool's imminent first-ever European campaign as FA Cup holders. This new challenge increased Liverpool's demands and urgency, which influenced Palace's choice to retain their captain, emphasizing the club's interests and long-term strategy.

Parish described Deadline Day as particularly tense and stressful, highlighting the tough balance between selling a valuable player for a significant fee and potentially weakening the squad. The risk of losing Guehi for free the following summer was indeed a critical consideration. However, Parish felt compelled to keep the defender, citing that Liverpool's unique situation and competitive ambitions shifted the dynamics of the negotiation in a way that led Palace to reconsider. This move was seen as an effort to strengthen Crystal Palace's position for the current season rather than yielding to immediate financial gain.

The decision has sparked debate about its implications for the club's management and player morale. Though Liverpool missed out on securing Guehi, figures like Jamie Carragher acknowledge the disappointment but suggest other transfer targets might have been more crucial for Liverpool. Parish's choice reflects a strategic approach grounded in navigating both competitive and financial pressures in a turbulent transfer market.