Liverpool Transfer News: Path Clear for £43m Signing as Marc Guehi Decision Made

Liverpool's hopes of signing Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi have been dashed as Manchester City have secured a £20m deal for the England international, clearing the path for the Reds to pursue a £43m alternative target.[1][2]

The transfer saga surrounding Guehi has been tumultuous. Last summer, Liverpool had a £35m bid accepted by Palace on deadline day in September 2025, with reports of a completed medical, but the deal collapsed in the final hours as Palace couldn't secure a replacement defender.[1][2][3] Fans anticipated a renewed push in January or a free transfer in summer 2026 when his contract expires, but City acted decisively.[1][2]

Fabrizio Romano confirmed the "here we go" moment on Friday, stating Palace accepted City's official £20m proposal, Guehi agreed personal terms, and the move is imminent.[1] Palace head coach Oliver Glasner revealed Guehi is in the "final stages" of a transfer and will miss their match against Sunderland, amid news of Glasner's own departure at season's end.[2]

Guehi, 25, has excelled at Palace, contributing to FA Cup and Community Shield wins, and becoming England's key centre-back. His defensive prowess, pace, ball-playing ability, and set-piece threat (five goals, four assists in recent Premier League seasons) make him a top Premier League defender.[2]

For Liverpool under Arne Slot, this is a blow after missing out twice. The club opted not to compete with City this window, gambling on a summer free agent move, but City's bargain buy leaves regrets at Anfield.[1][3][4] Attention now shifts to alternatives like Inter Milan's Alessandro Bastoni (£80m), Borussia Dortmund's experienced defender, or a £43m unnamed target hinted as ideal for the left side of defence.[3]

With over two weeks left in the January window, sporting director Richard Hughes has time to pivot and strengthen the backline, avoiding further drama.[1]

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