Liverpool now in no doubt after Marc Guehi response to deadline day transfer collapse

Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi saw a deadline-beating move to Liverpool collapse last week – and will now become a free agent at the end of the current season

Liverpool are so confident Marc Guehi wants to be a Liverpool player, they don’t intend to bid for him in January.

The Premier League champions were linked with the Crystal Palace skipper for much of the summer window and a deal to sign him looked inevitable. Talks ramped up in the hours leading up to the deadline, with Guehi agreeing personal terms and completing a medical.

However, despite Palace initially green lighting his £35million exit, the plug was pulled at the 11th hour, leaving the player and Liverpool frustrated. It is understood that influential Palace boss Oliver Glasner threatened to quit if the exit was finalised, leaving owner Steve Parish no choice but to block the deal.

Guehi is said to be incredibly disappointed that a move didn’t transpire, having remained committed to the club throughout the saga. He also has no intention of extending his contract which will see him become a free agent next summer.

There is an expectation then, that Palace will attempt to engineer an exit in January – in order to recoup some funds for their talismanic defender. Liverpool had been expected to return with a new bid at the start of 2026, but it is now suggested they will bide their time.

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The Telegraph report that Anfield bosses were adamant they would sign him for £35m this summer, or on a free in 12 months’ time. A clutch of other clubs have also been linked with his signature, including Premier League rivals Manchester City.

The Reds believe, though, that interest from rival clubs is being drummed up in an attempt to call Liverpool’s bluff and force a January offer.

The England defender is also able to talk to overseas clubs from the start of next year about a pre-contract agreement. However, Liverpool believe Guehi is so determined to make the move to Merseyside he will also be happy to bide his time.

Guehi, 25, will be Liverpool’s top defensive target next summer, with Ibrahima Konate out of contract and Joe Gomez expected to move on. Gomez also saw a deadline day move to Milan blocked, but is now considered a vital part of Arne Slot’s squad battling on multiple fronts.

Konate is further ahead in the pecking order, but his future is arguably more uncertain. Like Guehi, he is set to become a free agent next summer and despite talks of a renewal, no agreement has been reached.

Guehi is yet to return to Palace following the deadline day saga, having been a part of England’s squad for their latest batch of World Cup qualifiers. He started the win over Andorra at Villa Park, but only after Three Lions boss Thomas Tuchel held talks over his state of mind.

Tuchel said: “We had a chat with him. He looks absolutely fine. Very impressive on the field. He’s the main driver of Palace’s success, captain and the leader. He’s continued this in camp. He handles it with respect and grace and a brilliant attitude.”

Guehi was a doubt for Wednesday night’s clash with Serbia in Belgrade, but now looks set to be involved for what is the toughest test before next summer’s tournament in the United States.

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