Marc Guehi Transfer Stance Doesn't Add Up After What Liverpool Did 12 Months Ago

Liverpool's pursuit of Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi has hit another roadblock, as Manchester City have reportedly agreed a £20m deal for the England international in January 2026, leaving the Reds on the sidelines despite their long-standing interest[1][2][3].

The saga dates back to the final day of the 2025 summer transfer window, when Liverpool had a £35m deal agreed with Palace, Guehi completed a medical, and the player expressed his desire to join Arne Slot's side. However, Palace chairman Steve Parish pulled the plug at the last minute, unable to secure a replacement, frustrating Guehi who was eager for the move[3][4].

Post-window reports from Paul Joyce in The Times on September 7, 2025, confirmed Liverpool's firm stance: no January bid, only a free transfer pursuit in summer 2026 when Guehi's contract expires. The club backed this with confidence in their defense—Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate as anchors, plus £26m signing Giovanni Leoni from Parma—while rejecting advances for Joe Gomez[3].

But circumstances have shifted dramatically. Leoni is injured, Konate's contract talks stalled (now in his final months), and Gomez's fitness issues persist, exposing vulnerabilities[3]. Meanwhile, City's urgency stemmed from injuries to Josko Gvardiol and Ruben Dias, prompting them to meet Guehi's wage demands and secure the cut-price deal—far below Liverpool's prior £35m commitment[1][2].

Liverpool were reportedly willing to pay £30m but balked at Guehi's new contract demands and never submitted a formal bid this window[1]. Palace manager Oliver Glasner hinted Guehi might stay but acknowledged a high offer could change that[4]. With City advancing—personal terms agreed per Fabrizio Romano—Liverpool now eye alternatives like Inter's Alessandro Bastoni (£80m), Borussia Dortmund's Cristhian Mosquera, or Tottenham's Cristian Romero[2].

The irony stings: Liverpool's patient, cost-conscious strategy, sensible four months ago, now appears mismatched against rivals' decisiveness, potentially costing them a key target they've courted for over a year[3][6].

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