Liverpool suffer crushing Marc Guehi blow as rivals 'believe £30m deal is done'

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Liverpool’s hopes of signing Marc Guehi have suffered a major setback, with the Crystal Palace defender now strongly expected to join a rival club who believe a deal worth around £30m is effectively agreed. The article explains that Liverpool, long-term admirers of the England international, had come close to securing Guehi previously but are now at serious risk of missing out as another Premier League giant moves to the front of the queue.

The report outlines how Manchester City have accelerated their interest and are confident that negotiations with Palace and the player’s camp are at an advanced stage, to the point that sources around the Etihad believe the transfer is virtually done. City view Guehi as a key reinforcement in central defence and are ready to capitalise on his contract situation and Palace’s willingness to cash in rather than lose him for nothing further down the line.

For Liverpool, this development is described as a significant blow. The Anfield hierarchy had identified centre-back as a priority position and Guehi as an ideal profile: Premier League-proven, homegrown, and still with room to develop. However, Liverpool have been more cautious in formalising their interest, and that delay has opened the door for City to move aggressively and take control of the situation.

The article also touches on Palace’s stance, noting that while they would prefer to keep their captain for the remainder of the season, the combination of a substantial fee and the player’s ambitions makes a sale increasingly likely. As things stand, Liverpool must either pivot to alternative defensive targets or hope the expected deal collapses, because the current feeling within the game is that Guehi is on course to sign for a rival, with City in pole position over a £30m transfer.