The Real Reason why Marc Guehi didn’t sign for Liverpool | OneFootball

Liverpool’s Deadline Day Disappointment as Marc Guehi Deal Collapses

Liverpool’s late push to secure Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace unravelled dramatically on deadline day, despite a £35m agreement reportedly being struck. The Premier League champions had lined up a five-year deal for the 25-year-old defender, but Palace’s failure to land a replacement forced Oliver Glasner’s side to shut the door on one of the window’s most anticipated moves.

Photo: IMAGO

Transfer Agreement Falls Apart

Liverpool Echo reported that Guehi completed a medical in London after an accord was reached between both clubs, with the Reds also agreeing to a 10% sell-on clause. Palace, who had initially held out for £40m, looked set to sanction the deal, but their plans were disrupted when Brighton’s Julio Igor, expected to arrive on loan, was approached by West Ham United.

Photo IMAGO

This twist led Glasner to halt the sale, citing a lack of adequate reinforcements. Despite completing a deal for French youth prospect Jaydee Canvot, the teenager is not yet viewed as capable of filling Guehi’s boots. Liverpool had filed a deal sheet to extend the 7pm cut-off by two hours, but hopes quickly faded as Palace confirmed they would retain their captain.

Photo IMAGO

Glasner’s Influence and Palace’s Priorities

Palace’s historic FA Cup victory in May and their first ever qualification for European competition has emboldened Glasner’s resolve. Conversations between Glasner and chairman Steve Parish reportedly emphasised the need to protect the squad’s strength, especially in defence.

Speaking after Sunday’s 3-0 win over Aston Villa, Glasner said: “We had a meeting in March and we had an agreement that we’re just selling Marc if we have the right replacement in. And we wanted to have this replacement at the beginning of the season, the pre-season, to be independent from this situation.

Photo IMAGO

“This was July 9, today is August 31, there is no replacement in the building. So it is clear that one part of the agreement is not fulfilled, that means we can’t sell Marc. And it’s not for Oliver Glasner. It’s not a gift or a wish for Oliver Glasner. It’s necessary for playing a successful season. We had a great start, we are the first time European football and I think our fans deserve to have the best players available.”

Glasner also praised Guehi’s professionalism, saying the player “loves Crystal Palace, he loves the team and we feel the appreciation he has and he also feels the same from his side.”

Liverpool’s Defensive Outlook

Liverpool retain depth at centre-back with Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konaté, Joe Gomez, alongside the £26m acquisition of Giovanni Leoni. Wataru Endo’s versatility also provides cover, although Guehi was seen as a statement addition for both present and future.

Photo IMAGO

The failure to secure Guehi is expected to push Liverpool’s focus to January or the summer window, when the England international may become available as a free agent. For now, Arne Slot’s side must continue their campaign with existing resources, confident yet aware of the margins in a gruelling title race.

Photo IMAGO

What This Means for Palace

Palace’s ability to retain Guehi sends a strong message about their ambitions. Fresh off a historic FA Cup triumph, the Eagles have European football to prepare for and clearly value stability. The club’s refusal to be rushed into selling their captain reflects a broader shift in power dynamics, with mid-table Premier League sides increasingly determined to hold onto stars.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

This feels like a massive missed opportunity for Liverpool. Supporters had been buzzing at the thought of seeing Guehi alongside Van Dijk, bringing youth, leadership and composure to a backline that has been stretched in recent seasons. The fact that the club got so far down the road, even completing a medical, makes the collapse sting even more.

Fans will question why Liverpool left it so late. While the squad looks balanced on paper, history tells us that a single injury could throw the defensive unit into chaos, as seen in 2021. Supporters are also frustrated that Palace’s replacement saga dictated terms, leaving Liverpool scrambling at the deadline.

Guehi’s profile made him the perfect addition: Premier League proven, leadership qualities, and a player clearly admired by Arne Slot. Instead, Liverpool now rely on a mix of experience and potential, but without that one marquee signing to settle nerves. There is hope of revisiting this deal in January or next summer, but by then, competition for his signature could be even fiercer. For a club chasing domestic and European glory, this window has ended with a sense of what might have been.