Premier League Rival Set to Beat Liverpool in the Race for Marc Guehi – Report | OneFootball

Marc Guehi Transfer Battle Heats Up as January Window Looms

As the January transfer window edges closer, Marc Guehi’s future at Crystal Palace has become one of the most talked-about storylines in English football. The England international, who nearly sealed a move to Liverpool in the summer only for the deal to collapse on deadline day, looks increasingly likely to leave Selhurst Park in the coming months.

Guehi’s current contract runs down at the end of this season, and Palace appear resigned to parting ways with their captain rather than risk losing him on a free. The 25-year-old has registered one goal and one assist in his first six Premier League matches this campaign, continuing to showcase the leadership that has made him such a sought-after figure in the market.

Spurs Lead Pursuit of Palace Skipper

According to Caught Offside, Tottenham Hotspur are currently at the front of the queue to sign Guehi. One source reportedly said, “Spurs believe the 25-year-old could add both leadership and stability to their backline, while the reduced transfer fee aligns with their budget for mid-season reinforcements.”

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With his contract expiring and a price tag thought to be in the €20-30 million range, Guehi represents a cost-effective option for Spurs boss Thomas Frank, who is eager to bolster his defence.

European Giants Eyeing January Move

The interest does not stop at England’s top flight. Both Real Madrid and Barcelona are weighing up January bids, with the defender said to be open to a move abroad. One source close to the player revealed, “Guehi has instructed his representatives to keep communication lines open with Real Madrid in particular.”

A switch to La Liga would mark a significant chapter for Guehi, whose composure on the ball and aerial ability have made him a standout performer in the Premier League.

Liverpool’s Ongoing Interest

Liverpool’s interest in Guehi has never waned despite the collapsed £35 million move in the summer. New manager Arne Slot, who delivered the Premier League title in his debut season, faces a defensive dilemma following Giovanni Leoni’s ACL injury, which has left the Reds with only three senior centre-backs: Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konate and Joe Gomez.

Liverpool still view Guehi as a long-term solution to their defensive depth issues and may return with a renewed approach in January. One club insider was quoted by Caught Offside saying, “Liverpool remain determined to revive their pursuit. The Merseyside club see Guehi as a long-term defensive solution and are eager to make amends for the failed summer move.”

Palace Ready to Negotiate

Crystal Palace have adopted what can only be described as a pragmatic approach to this saga. The club acknowledges that convincing Guehi to commit to a new long-term deal is unlikely and are therefore prepared to negotiate in January. As Caught Offside reports, the South London club are braced for bids in the €20-30 million bracket, though the fee could dip further because of Guehi’s contract situation.

For now, it seems inevitable that Guehi’s departure is a matter of when rather than if. January looks set to be decisive, with several European giants circling.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

For Liverpool fans, Guehi’s situation represents both an opportunity and a worry. The Reds have enjoyed early success under Arne Slot, yet the lack of depth at centre-back poses a real risk to sustaining momentum, especially with Champions League fixtures to navigate after Christmas.

Losing out on Guehi in the summer was a major setback, particularly as the player had reportedly agreed personal terms before the deal fell through. Supporters will feel that the club cannot afford to repeat that disappointment in January.

Slot’s defensive unit is world-class when fully fit, but history has shown how quickly injuries can derail a title challenge. With Giovanni Leoni sidelined by an ACL injury, the current options leave little margin for rotation. Adding Guehi in January would not only strengthen the backline but also provide a versatile, young leader capable of partnering Van Dijk or Konate.

Fans are hopeful that the club’s hierarchy has learned from the collapse of the previous deal and will act decisively this time. There is also optimism that Guehi’s contract situation could make him available for a more affordable fee than in the summer.

Ultimately, Liverpool supporters want to see ambition matched with swift action. The January window rarely delivers easy solutions, but if Guehi truly remains keen on a move to Anfield, then it is imperative the Reds seize the opportunity before rivals such as Tottenham or even Spanish heavyweights swoop in.