Liverpool set to sign Premier League star as deal ‘practically done’ | OneFootball

Liverpool edge closer to Marc Guehi coup amid Crystal Palace stand-off

Liverpool are closing in on the signing of Marc Guehi in what could prove to be one of the shrewdest defensive deals of 2026. The England international, who has been a model of consistency for both club and country, looks set to join Arne Slot’s squad at a significant discount to his previous valuation.

Guehi’s Liverpool deal gathers momentum

Sources close to both Liverpool and Crystal Palace have indicated that Guehi’s long-anticipated move to Anfield is nearing completion. The centre-back came within touching distance of a transfer last summer, with both clubs agreeing to a fee in the region of £35 million. Personal terms were settled, and a medical was completed, but a late breakdown in Palace’s own transfer dealings saw the move collapse on deadline day.

At that time, Palace were unable to secure a replacement, with Brighton’s Igor Julio opting for a loan move to West Ham instead. Manager Oliver Glasner, who had only recently taken charge, reportedly made clear to the Palace hierarchy that losing Guehi without adequate cover would be unacceptable. The club’s stance forced the deal to collapse, despite Guehi’s desire to take the next step in his career.

Why Liverpool have maintained interest

Liverpool’s persistence has been notable. The club’s recruitment team, still guided by a data-driven approach, have long identified Guehi as one of the Premier League’s most reliable defenders. His combination of composure, aerial strength and leadership fits perfectly into Slot’s philosophy, particularly with the future of several defenders uncertain.

While Guehi has continued to perform impressively for Palace, his refusal to sign a new deal has made his departure inevitable. Palace are now resigned to losing him for nothing once his contract expires at the end of the season. This development represents a huge opportunity for Liverpool, who stand to acquire a defender once valued at more than double last year’s £35 million price tag.

Back in 2024, Newcastle United had three bids rejected for Guehi — the highest being £60 million — underlining the scale of Liverpool’s financial advantage.

Competition from Europe’s elite

Interest in Guehi has been fierce. Real Madrid, Barcelona, Inter Milan and Bayern Munich have all explored possible moves for the 25-year-old, but Liverpool appear to have outmanoeuvred their rivals. Spanish journalist Bruno Alemany recently stated that “Liverpool have it pretty much wrapped up,” while Lewis Steele of the Daily Mail reported earlier this month that Guehi had “given his word” to the Reds about a summer transfer.

If these reports are accurate, Liverpool will pay only a signing bonus, with Crystal Palace receiving nothing in return. That outcome is particularly painful for the Eagles, who had insisted on a 10 per cent sell-on clause when negotiations took place last year.

A pivotal addition for Slot’s Liverpool

Guehi’s statistical performances further underline Liverpool’s determination. According to FotMob, he currently ranks among the top two centre-backs in the Premier League based on average weekly ratings, second only to Sunderland’s Nordi Mukiele. That places him ahead of the likes of Arsenal’s Gabriel Magalhães and William Saliba, as well as Liverpool’s own Virgil van Dijk.

For England, Guehi has become a fixture in Gareth Southgate’s back line — a role that could enhance his value even further during the 2026 World Cup. Yet by then, if reports hold true, he will already be settled on Merseyside, offering Liverpool both stability and long-term quality at the heart of defence.

Arne Slot has been eager to build around a new-generation back line, and the arrival of Guehi could mark a defining moment in that transition. With leadership, experience and proven Premier League pedigree, the Crystal Palace defender’s move to Liverpool looks set to be one of the standout transfers of 2026.