Crystal Palace owner reveals the truth behind Marc Guehi’s collapsed Liverpool move | OneFootball

Steve Parish reveals the truth behind Liverpool’s move for Marc Guehi

Liverpool’s long pursuit of Marc Guehi looked destined to end in success until Crystal Palace intervened at the last moment. The England international, viewed by many inside Anfield as an ideal long term partner for Virgil van Dijk, was reportedly on the verge of sealing the switch before negotiations collapsed in dramatic fashion.

While early suggestions pointed towards internal resistance from manager Oliver Glasner, those whispers were quickly dismissed. Glasner firmly denied claims that he threatened to walk out if Palace sanctioned Guehi’s exit to Liverpool. That speculation has now been firmly replaced by a more grounded explanation from the club’s highest level.

Steve Parish Sets Record Straight

Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish has publicly revealed why the transfer never materialised and his reasoning suggests the decision was strategic rather than emotional.

Speaking to talkSPORT, Parish explained: “It’s a difficult decision. It’s as simple as that these things are never black and white.” He went on to say: “I decided in the end that, based on the advice that I got and with what I think, that we would have a better season if we kept Marc.”

Photo: IMAGO

With Palace preparing for their maiden European campaign after lifting the FA Cup last season, the club hierarchy deemed Guehi too important to sacrifice. Securing UEFA Conference League qualification meant stability at the back became an immediate priority. “We don’t guess about these things. If you look at it rationally, if you look at what is worth the place in the Premier League, the fact that we’re in the Conference League for the first time in our history, this is a fairly unusual set of circumstances in which to keep a player.”

Perhaps the most telling line came when Parish added: “If we were fighting between the difference of 10th and 14th, if that was going to be the difference between keeping Marc and letting Marc go, then probably we would have said: ‘Right, we should take the money’.”

Liverpool Left to Reassess Defensive Options

Liverpool’s focus on attacking reinforcements earlier in the summer meant a potential reshuffle in defence arrived too late. By the time they accelerated talks with Crystal Palace, the London club had no time to locate a replacement. Arne Slot secured the Premier League title in his first season, yet even successful managers require long term planning and defensive depth remains under scrutiny.

Marc Guehi’s stock continues to rise and his leadership credentials at Selhurst Park are now backed by continental football. Liverpool will surely return for a centre back of similar profile, if not for Guehi himself, then for another defender with Premier League experience and composure in possession.

Future Battle Ahead

With Crystal Palace intent on making the most of their European adventure, Liverpool may need to wait another window before reigniting their interest. Guehi’s contract status, international ambitions and appetite for Champions League football could yet shape the narrative. For now, Crystal Palace have won this particular duel, but Liverpool rarely lose interest in a target once identified.