Deal Collapses in Final Hours

Liverpool appeared to have sealed the signing of Marc Guehi, the 25-year-old English defender who had already completed his medical in London. The agreement was set at £35 million, included a five-year contract, and a 10% sell-on clause. However, the move broke down when Crystal Palace failed to finalize the arrival of Igor Julio, who instead chose to join West Ham.

Although Palace managed to sign young defender Jaydee Canvot from Toulouse, the club wanted two new additions at the back before letting their captain leave, forcing them to halt Guehi’s move to Anfield.

Guehi’s Future Up in the Air

The breakdown leaves Marc Guehi in a difficult situation. A key figure under manager Oliver Glasner, his contract at Selhurst Park runs until 2026, but he has already informed the board he will not renew. This opens the door for a potential January exit or a free transfer in 2026, with Liverpool still leading the race and already having a personal agreement in place with the defender.

Since joining Crystal Palace from Chelsea in 2021, Guehi has become a cornerstone of the team, even lifting the FA Cup as captain. He has played every minute of the current Premier League season and recently scored in the 3-0 victory over Aston Villa, underlining his importance to the squad.

For Liverpool, missing out on Guehi is a major setback as the club aimed to strengthen its defensive line for a demanding season in both the Premier League and European competition. Still, all signs suggest that Guehi’s move to Anfield is only delayed—if not in January, then potentially as a free agent next summer.