Liverpool Close to Sealing Move for Crystal Palace Defender | OneFootball

Liverpool Close In On Marc Guehi Signing

Defensive rebuild under Slot

Liverpool’s summer has been defined by careful reshaping rather than wholesale change, yet the defence remains a priority. With Jarell Quansah moving to Bayer Leverkusen for £35 million, Arne Slot found himself short of established central defenders behind Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konate and Joe Gomez. The swift move for Giovanni Leoni from Parma, secured for £26 million, addressed some of the gap, but the pursuit of Marc Guehi, reported exclusively by DaveOCKOP.com, has become the main story.

DaveOCKOP first revealed in March that Liverpool had held talks with the England international’s representatives. The latest update suggests the deal is almost complete. “Liverpool is now in the final stages with a medical being organised by the Merseyside giants. Initially, Crystal Palace tried to hold out for £45 million, but the final price is likely to be closer to a £40 million package.”

Why Guehi fits Liverpool

Marc Guehi brings qualities that Liverpool need. Composed on the ball, strong in duels, and with leadership qualities honed at Crystal Palace, he offers a balance of youth and experience. His homegrown status is a further advantage for Premier League registration rules, something Liverpool’s hierarchy has been mindful of when planning future squads.

Photo: IMAGO

There is also a financial element in play. With Guehi’s contract expiring next summer, Palace risk losing him below market value, particularly with Chelsea holding a 20 per cent sell-on clause from his 2021 move. Liverpool are capitalising on that pressure, securing a deal that looks astute both competitively and economically.

Transfer dynamics around Palace

Reports of tension between Guehi and Palace manager Oliver Glasner after the Chelsea match added intrigue to the move, though these were later clarified. Guehi’s apparent decision to walk past his manager was explained by anti-doping protocols. He had been selected for random testing and was focused on completing it swiftly rather than avoiding his coach.

For Palace, losing their captain is a significant blow. Yet the financial constraints of Guehi’s contract situation and Chelsea’s clause made holding out for their ideal valuation difficult. A package around £40 million reflects both Guehi’s quality and the market reality.

What this means for Liverpool

With Guehi, Liverpool add a defender entering his prime who can immediately compete for a starting place. Slot has already emphasised the importance of fresh competition following last season’s Premier League triumph, and Guehi’s arrival would give him both depth and flexibility.

Photo: IMAGO

The rebuild is not yet complete, but Guehi could prove the decisive piece. For Liverpool, the signing is as much about the long-term stability of their defence as the immediate season ahead.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

For Liverpool, the move for Marc Guehi makes perfect sense. Losing Quansah felt like a painful decision, but the club’s ability to reinvest quickly has reassured fans. While Giovanni Leoni looks a talent for the future, Guehi offers Premier League experience right now. His composure on the ball, combined with the ability to marshal a defence, fits well with how Slot wants his team to build from the back.

Many fans see Guehi as more than just another squad option. With Van Dijk in the later stages of his career and Konate occasionally sidelined through injury, Guehi could become central to Liverpool’s defensive future. A £40 million deal in today’s market feels like value, especially for a homegrown player with international pedigree.

Supporters also recognise the symbolism. Liverpool are not standing still after their title win, they are actively strengthening in areas that can sustain success. Guehi’s arrival would underline the seriousness of the project under Slot and send a message to rivals that Anfield intends to remain at the summit.