Liverpool Could Still Miss Out on Major £35m Transfer Target – Report | OneFootball

Liverpool’s Push for Marc Guehi Faces Defining Period

Liverpool’s defensive plans remain under the spotlight as negotiations with Crystal Palace over Marc Guehi continue without resolution. According to a report from Rousing The Kop, the Reds are keen to secure Guehi’s services this summer but find themselves locked in a valuation standoff.

“Liverpool are understood to be looking for a deal worth no more than £30m, which is around £10m below Crystal Palace’s asking price for the centre-back,” the article explains. This gap is proving a significant obstacle as time ticks towards the end of the transfer window.

Palace Position on Guehi Future

Palace find themselves in a difficult position, with their captain edging towards the final year of his contract. “The Eagles fear the prospect of losing Guehi on a free transfer and, as a result, talks between the two clubs are continuing.”

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Despite this, Palace are standing firm on their valuation, and as Rousing The Kop highlight, “a transfer is currently seen as ‘possible’ rather than ‘probable’.” The Selhurst Park hierarchy are wary of setting a precedent by underselling one of their most valuable assets, particularly when major European clubs are circling.

Risks of Delaying a Deal

Liverpool’s hesitation could prove costly. “If the Reds fail to meet the Eagles’ demands, they could lose out on the player altogether,” warns the report. Interest from Bayern Munich and Barcelona looms large, and while those clubs are not expected to make an immediate move, the competition could intensify next summer.

Guehi himself is said to harbour concerns. “He would be happy to join if a fee is agreed in the next ten days, he would have other options next summer,” Rousing The Kop note. That admission leaves Liverpool with a clear decision to make: meet Palace’s terms now or risk missing out on a defender who has become one of England’s most reliable operators.

Slot’s Defensive Options

The Reds have already invested in the backline, with Giovanni Leoni arriving from Parma for £26m following Jarell Quansah’s £35m switch to Bayer Leverkusen. Yet questions remain about long-term depth. Ibrahima Konate’s future is far from certain, while Joe Gomez has also faced doubts regarding his role moving forward.

As Rousing The Kop summarise, “for now, though, it is Guehi or bust for Liverpool.” Arne Slot, fresh from delivering a title in his debut season, may prefer to press ahead with the squad at hand, but there is a growing sense that Guehi’s availability represents a rare opportunity.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

From a supporter’s perspective, this feels like a pivotal moment for Liverpool. Guehi is a proven Premier League defender with leadership qualities, and at 25 he has the best years of his career still ahead. Palace’s £40m stance may seem steep for a player edging towards free agency, but the Reds cannot afford to underestimate what he would bring.

Supporters will remember the sting of missing out on players in similar situations, where hesitation allowed rivals to swoop in. Guehi’s ability to play out from the back and his composure under pressure would dovetail perfectly with Slot’s high-possession style.

There is also a sense that Liverpool’s defensive structure needs fresh energy. Leoni looks an exciting addition, but with Quansah gone and doubts over Konate and Gomez, another high-level defender is required. Guehi feels like the logical successor to Joel Matip, and with Virgil van Dijk edging towards the twilight of his career, Liverpool must plan for continuity.

If Palace are willing to negotiate closer to the £35m mark, compromise makes sense. For Liverpool, the message is simple: move decisively, secure Guehi, and strengthen the foundations of a squad that looks primed for another title challenge.