Liverpool boosted as premier league rivals decide against move | OneFootball

Liverpool Handed Transfer Boost as Chelsea Exit Race for Premier League Defender

Slot’s Defensive Puzzle

Liverpool’s pursuit of Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi could be reignited after developments surrounding the England international’s future. According to The Sporting News, Chelsea have now withdrawn from the race to re-sign their former academy defender, leaving Liverpool better placed to move for him in the coming windows.

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Arne Slot was keen to bring Guehi to Anfield on transfer deadline day, with a £35 million fee reportedly agreed between the clubs. The deal collapsed in dramatic fashion when Palace manager Oliver Glasner blocked the move at the final moment after the FA Cup holders failed to secure a replacement. Guehi, who had already said goodbye to teammates, was left frustrated by how close the move came to completion.

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Palace Ready to Cash In

Palace chairman Steve Parish has since confirmed that the club intend to sell the defender before his contract expires next summer. “We cannot afford to lose him for nothing,” he reportedly said. Palace are now open to a reduced fee of around £25 million in January, a significant drop from Liverpool’s original offer.

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Real Madrid and Tottenham Hotspur are both monitoring developments, though Liverpool remain quietly confident of their long-term position. Guehi’s preference for staying in England and competing at the highest level of European football could prove decisive.

Long-Term Strategy at Anfield

Liverpool’s defensive planning under Slot continues to evolve. With Ibrahima Konate likely to leave on a free transfer in 2026, the club are prioritising options that align with their recruitment model, players in their mid-20s who combine Premier League experience with growth potential. Guehi fits that profile perfectly.

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While the club are not expected to spend heavily in January following their summer outlay, a carefully structured deal could yet emerge if Palace’s stance softens further. The January market often rewards persistence, and Liverpool’s history of smart timing in the transfer window suggests they may bide their time again.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

Guehi has all the traits that would fit into Slot’s system, disciplined, composed on the ball, and physically strong in duels. His leadership at Palace shows a maturity beyond his years, and that calmness would complement Virgil van Dijk perfectly.

The fact that Chelsea have stepped aside is a major boost. Many fans felt the summer collapse was down to bad timing rather than bad intent, and Guehi’s frustration with how the deal fell apart suggests there’s still interest from both sides.

Supporters also see this as part of the club’s wider defensive succession plan. With Konate’s contract situation unresolved and Joe Gomez often covering multiple positions, a player like Guehi represents reliability and future leadership. The drop in price to around £25 million makes this even more attractive.

Fans will hope Liverpool act decisively this time. The team’s defensive structure needs fresh energy, and Guehi’s arrival could be a statement that the next generation of leadership at Anfield is taking shape. The timing feels right, the price feels fair, and the fit looks perfect.