Arne Slot Sent Public Message to Marc Guehi after £35m Liverpool Deal Collapsed | OneFootball

Liverpool’s Pursuit of Marc Guehi: What Comes Next?

Liverpool’s start to the Premier League season could hardly have been stronger. Four wins from four, including hard-fought victories against Newcastle United and Arsenal, have given Arne Slot the perfect platform to build on his remarkable debut campaign that ended with a league title. Yet for all the success on the pitch, the transfer window drama surrounding Marc Guehi has lingered in the background.

David Lynch, speaking to Dave Davis for Anfield Index, offered an intriguing insight into what happened on deadline day and where Liverpool might turn next. His perspective sheds light on both the failed £35m deal with Crystal Palace and the intent from Liverpool’s hierarchy to revisit the move in the future.

Slot’s Refreshing Honesty

The Dutch head coach was asked about Liverpool’s interest in Guehi and said: “I think it would be ridiculous if I will deny that we were close to signing Marc Guehi… these things happen in football.”

“We would like to sign him of course because we were in for him.”

“January or summer? I don’t tell you.”

When Slot addressed the Guehi situation, he surprised many with his candour. As Lynch noted: “We always try our best for him to give something up on transfers but we’ve not managed to do it yet.”

Managers often choose their words carefully in these moments, offering vague assurances or refusing to comment altogether. Slot, however, did not play that game. Lynch captured the significance of this: “I found it interesting that he was so open about the fact that Liverpool were close [to signing Guehi] because he generally doesn’t usually admit even if it’s a really obvious situation.”

That openness matters. It sends a message not only to the player but also to the fanbase that Liverpool are determined to act decisively in the market when the right opportunity arises.

Photo: IMAGO

Defensive Options and Future Needs

For now, Slot can rely on Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konate, Joe Gomez and Giovanni Leoni. On paper, this is strong cover, but the realities of a gruelling season suggest depth could still be tested. Injuries have historically disrupted Liverpool in defence, and the pace of the modern Premier League demands variety and reliability.

Guehi would fit neatly into this picture. His composure on the ball and defensive intelligence mark him out as an ideal long-term partner for Konate, should he sign a new deal at Liverpool, and his age profile aligns with Liverpool’s planning for the next phase of the squad.

Signals for January

Lynch also hinted that Slot’s words may have been carefully placed: “Maybes it’s a public message to Guehi that Liverpool will come back for him and want to sign him.”

That interpretation makes sense. With the deal collapsing just an hour before the deadline, Liverpool have effectively left the door ajar. As Lynch concluded: “Whether that means he comes in January, that’s not quite clear, but I don’t think you could rule it out completely yet.”

The January market often provides little value, but Liverpool have shown before that they will act mid-season when a key piece is available. If Guehi continues to impress for Palace and remains receptive to the interest, it would not be a surprise to see talks reignited.

Momentum On and Off the Pitch

For now, Liverpool’s focus is on maintaining momentum in the league. With Slot’s tactical clarity and a squad brimming with confidence, supporters can rightly enjoy the present. Yet the Guehi story underlines that the club’s planning does not stop, and that long-term defensive security remains a priority.