Mansion Sports - Liverpool’s plan to secure the signing of Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace fell through on transfer deadline day, despite the Merseyside club submitting a £35 million bid.

The England international, who has just one year left on his contract, was widely reported to be on the verge of joining Liverpool. 

According to journalist David Ornstein, the deal was nearly finalized after Liverpool submitted the required transfer documents before the 7:00 p.m. deadline. 

However, in a dramatic turn of events, Crystal Palace unexpectedly withdrew their approval, bringing the transfer to an abrupt halt.

Reasons Behind Crystal Palace’s Decision

Reports suggest that Guehi had already completed part of his medical examinations and agreed to personal terms on a five-year contract running until 2030. 

Nevertheless, Crystal Palace head coach Oliver Glasner firmly rejected the idea of allowing his captain to leave without a suitable replacement.

The club had attempted to secure Igor Julio from Brighton after successfully signing Jaydee Canvot from Toulouse. However, with negotiations for Igor breaking down, Palace ultimately decided to block Guehi’s proposed move to Anfield.

Marc Guehi’s Central Role at Crystal Palace

Since arriving from Chelsea in 2021, Guehi has made 155 appearances for Crystal Palace. Last season, he captained the team to their first-ever FA Cup triumph, defeating Manchester City in the final at Wembley.

On the international stage, the 24-year-old defender has established himself as a key figure for England, earning 23 caps and playing consistently throughout the team’s run to the Euro 2024 final.

Future Prospects for Guehi and Implications for Liverpool

With Guehi’s current contract set to expire in 2026, Palace now face a difficult decision: whether to reopen negotiations for an extension or risk losing their captain for a reduced fee in January, or even on a free transfer the following summer.

For Liverpool, the collapse of the deal forces the club to reassess their defensive transfer strategy ahead of the winter window. 

For the time being, Guehi remains an indispensable part of Oliver Glasner’s squad as Crystal Palace prepare for the challenges of the Europa Conference League.