Liverpool receive major boost in the race to sign Marc Guehi – Report | OneFootball

Liverpool’s Pursuit of Marc Guéhi Takes Centre Stage

Liverpool’s defensive rebuild under Arne Slot could soon feature one of the Premier League’s most composed modern defenders. According to AS, Crystal Palace centre-back Marc Guéhi has emerged as a top target for Europe’s elite, with Liverpool and Bayern Munich leading the race. Real Madrid, meanwhile, have reportedly stepped back due to the England international’s salary expectations.

Guéhi, born in Abidjan in 2000, has become one of the standout defenders in England’s top flight. His contract runs until June 2026, but AS reports he “won’t renew it,” making him one of the most sought-after players in next summer’s transfer window. The article describes him as “the best centre-back in the current Premier League,” with his performances continuing to attract major attention.

Rising Reputation in the Premier League

Guéhi’s consistency has been remarkable for a player of his age. AS.com highlights that he has featured in 17 matches, winning 73% of duels, recording 57% aerial success, and averaging 9.84 recoveries per game. Palace’s FA Cup and Community Shield victories only strengthened his reputation, with Guéhi described as “one of the heroes of the feat.”

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Liverpool’s interest makes sense in context. With Ibrahima Konaté strongly linked with a move to Real Madrid, Slot’s side could soon require a right-footed central defender capable of blending athleticism with calm distribution. Guéhi fits that description perfectly. His maturity on the ball, intelligence in positioning, and leadership qualities make him an ideal candidate to slot alongside Virgil van Dijk.

Player Ambition and Palace’s Dilemma

Palace manager Oliver Glasner was quoted by AS saying, “He wants something different,” referring to Guéhi’s hunger for a new challenge at the highest level. For a player entering his prime years, a move to a Champions League contender aligns with his ambition. Liverpool, having regained domestic dominance under Slot, can offer exactly that—competitive football and a realistic path to silverware.

Guéhi’s “great desire,” the report claims, is Anfield. He was close to joining last summer, only for Palace to block the transfer after failing to find a replacement. Glasner even “threatened to resign if the transfer went through,” underlining the player’s importance to the Eagles.

Transfer Race Set to Intensify

While Bayern Munich remain interested, Liverpool’s position appears the strongest. The structure of the club’s defence, the lure of playing under Slot, and the chance to compete for major honours could all prove decisive. AS describes it as a “long-distance race” likely to continue until at least January, but within that timeframe, Liverpool’s need and Guéhi’s preference may align perfectly.

Should the deal materialise, it would not only fill the gap left by Konaté but also reinforce Liverpool’s push to evolve defensively for the next decade.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

For Liverpool fans, this report feels significant. The club have been linked with several defenders over the past year, but Guéhi appears to tick every box for Arne Slot’s system. He’s English, composed under pressure, strong in recovery, and already accustomed to Premier League tempo.

Supporters will also note how the report’s suggestion that “Anfield is his great desire” aligns with Liverpool’s recruitment ethos of signing players who genuinely want to represent the club. If Konaté does move to Madrid, Guéhi feels the natural successor.