Liverpool transfer news as Man City hatches plan to beat Reds to Marc Guehi signing
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Liverpool Transfer News: Man City Hatches Plan to Beat Reds to Marc Guehi Signing
Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi is at the center of a heated transfer battle involving Liverpool, Manchester City, Arsenal, and Bayern Munich, as his contract nears its end in summer 2026.[1][2][3]
Guehi, a 25-year-old England international, is expected to leave Palace either in January or as a free agent next summer. Palace demands around £35-40 million for a winter move, after nearly accepting £35m from Liverpool last summer—only for the deal to collapse on deadline day due to replacement issues.[1][2][4]
Manchester City leads the January charge, short on center-backs after injuries to Ruben Dias and Josko Gvardiol, with uncertainties over John Stones and Nathan Ake. Reports indicate City is preparing an offer, potentially around £25m with creative structures like swaps, though sources doubt a mid-season agreement. German journalist Florian Plettenberg notes Guehi favors a free transfer but City could test Palace's resolve.[1][2][4]
Liverpool, under Arne Slot, prefers signing Guehi for free in summer, viewing him as a priority to bolster their defense—especially with Ibrahima Konate also in contract limbo. The Reds nearly secured him before and know his fit at Anfield, but City's push could force their hand. Slot faces a thin squad, naming just three senior center-backs for upcoming matches.[3]
ESPN's Tor-Kristian Karlsen praises Guehi's elite qualities: space control, passing-lane closures, and tactical flexibility in back-threes or fours—making him a "no-brainer" at a cut-price fee. Guehi prioritizes playing time for Thomas Tuchel's World Cup squad, potentially favoring City's immediate opportunities over Liverpool's competition from Konate.[3][4]
Palace's Oliver Glasner admits Guehi plans to depart, leaving the club at a crossroads: cash in now or lose him for nothing.[2] As January heats up, City aims to hijack Liverpool's long-term target.
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