Marc Guéhi Back in Liverpool’s Transfer Crosshairs | OneFootball

Six days into the winter transfer, and Marc Guéhi is once again a hot commodity. According to internal sources, Liverpool is renewing efforts to sign the English international and current Crystal Palace captain. They are looking to close the deal right NOW, after hearing reports that Manchester City are also sniffing around the center-back.

A Snubbed Summer

The summer of 2025 looked for a while like it might signal the end of his era at Crystal Palace. Guéhi, fresh off captaining the Eagles to their first major trophy by lifting the FA Cup, was the subject of intense transfer interest from the Premier League’s elite. Liverpool, seeking defensive reinforcements, emerged as the front-runner, with talks progressing throughout the window. Reports suggested Palace and the Reds had agreed a £35 million ($47M) fee and even scheduled Guehi’s medical late on deadline day.

But the beautiful game is unpredictable. As the clock ticked down on transfer deadline day, Palace stalled and then pulled the plug. Manager Oliver Glasner had been vocal all window about the impossibility of selling his captain without a ready-made replacement, arguing Guehi’s absence would leave a gaping hole in the back line. Palace’s attempts to bring in defenders like Brighton’s Igor Julio faltered and, with only young prospect Jaydee Canvot arriving, the club ultimately withdrew approval for Guehi’s move. This despite the fact that Guéhi had reportedly agreed personal terms with Liverpool.

Renewed Urgency

Liverpool seemingly appeared content to let Guéhi’s current contract expire in June, and swoop in on a free. But that has changed. Guéhi is seen as a long term investment for the club, a complement and eventual successor to Virgil van Dijk. More importantly, this transfer urgency isn’t dependent on Arne Slot’s status at the club. 

Current deal terms are unknown, but would have to be significantly higher that the summer terms given Crystal Palace’s current dip in form, and that the club still hasn’t found a proper replacement for the six-footer. Sources also indicate that Palace are keen for a winter move to recoup cash, rather than allow Guéhi to walk on a free.

Of course, Guéhi will have to be convinced as well. His personal fee would increase as a free agent. Who knows how sensitive he remains after the last-day drama in September, though his actions on the field this season have been nothing but 100% Palace.

Stay tuned as we track this evolving story.