Liverpool make 'correct' Marc Guehi decision after jibe but big problem remains

Liverpool Make 'Correct' Marc Guehi Decision After Jibe but Big Problem Remains

Liverpool have made the right call by not pursuing Marc Guehi this January, despite Manchester City's successful £20m swoop for the Crystal Palace defender. City secured Guehi on a five-and-a-half-year deal until 2031, beating rivals including Liverpool, Arsenal, and Bayern Munich who eyed a free transfer in summer when his Palace contract expired.[1][2][3]

Guehi's move addresses City's defensive crisis, with Josko Gvardiol out for the season and Ruben Dias plus John Stones sidelined. Pep Guardiola hailed the "impossible" deal, crediting Guehi's expiring contract for enabling the bargain initial fee, plus add-ons and a sell-on clause. The 25-year-old England international, with 26 caps, captained Palace to their first major trophy—the FA Cup against City last May—and the Community Shield over Liverpool. He made 188 appearances for the Eagles, scoring 11 goals, after starting at Chelsea and impressing on loan at Swansea.[1][2]

Liverpool held talks for a £35m Guehi deal last summer but pulled out, and recent reports confirm they declined to rival City now. The true cost—factoring signing-on fees, agent payments, and wages over £300,000 weekly—made it poor value for a player available for free in six months, per The Athletic.[3] Anfield sources prioritized summer business anyway, avoiding a "gamble" on Guehi amid City's urgency.[2][4]

Yet, a big problem lingers: Liverpool's center-back succession. With Virgil van Dijk turning 35 in July, finding a long-term partner remains urgent. The Reds trail in the title race and are drawing up summer targets, having passed on Guehi despite fan frustration over missing a proven leader.[3]

City's coup strengthens their squad, poised for Guehi's Etihad debut versus Wolves, while Liverpool's restraint preserves funds—but risks regret if defensive woes persist.[1][2]

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