Report: Liverpool the ‘dream destination’ for Premier League defender | OneFootball

Liverpool Given Dream Boost as Guehi Stance Emerges

Liverpool’s pursuit of Marc Guehi has taken another intriguing twist, and this time the developments appear to favour the Premier League champions. According to TeamTalk, Guehi has no plans to sign a new deal with Crystal Palace and is prepared to leave as a free agent next summer, opening the door for Arne Slot’s side to secure a high-quality defender without paying a transfer fee.

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Summer Drama and Deadline Day Collapse

The England international was inches away from becoming a Liverpool player on deadline day, with a £35 million fee agreed and personal terms signed off. Guehi even travelled to Merseyside for his medical before the move collapsed at the final moment when Palace were unable to secure a replacement. Reports suggest Guehi was left “devastated” and “betrayed” by the U-turn.

Chelsea, once seen as serious contenders, have now withdrawn from the race for his signature, while Real Madrid, Barcelona and Bayern Munich are monitoring the situation but unlikely to match Liverpool’s long-term appeal.

Liverpool Playing the Waiting Game

TeamTalk’s sources claim Liverpool have no intention of revisiting the deal in January, preferring to wait until Guehi is available on a free transfer. The player is said to want stability ahead of the World Cup, avoiding a mid-season switch that could risk form or minutes on the pitch.

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The Times journalist Paul Joyce echoed this, writing: “Liverpool will not revisit their interest in Marc Guehi in January and would only now sign the Crystal Palace centre-back on a free transfer next summer.”

Future Defensive Shape

With Ibrahima Konate’s future uncertain and Virgil van Dijk now 34, Liverpool are expected to reshape their defensive core next summer. Guehi’s arrival would be part of a longer-term plan to refresh the backline while maintaining the high standards that made them champions.

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For Liverpool, Palace’s refusal to sell in the summer may yet prove to be a blessing in disguise, saving them £35 million and allowing them to reinvest elsewhere.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

Missing out on Guehi at the end of the summer window was frustrating, especially with the need for depth in central defence, but waiting 12 months and potentially landing him on a free looks like perfect business.

Supporters will see this as a statement of intent from the club, they are not panicking or overpaying, instead sticking to a strategy that has served them well under Fenway Sports Group. The idea of Guehi walking through the doors at Kirkby next summer, joining a refreshed squad, is exciting.

There is also a romantic element to this move. Guehi has reportedly made it clear that Anfield is his preferred destination. That matters. Liverpool thrive on players who actively want to wear the shirt, who see it as a privilege rather than just a career move.

For now, all Liverpool need to do is hold their nerve, keep Konate and Van Dijk fit through this season and then welcome Guehi into a side that could still be champions by the time he arrives.