Crystal Palace boss breaks silence on Marc Guehi’s collapsed Liverpool move | OneFootball

Guehi saga resurfaces as Glasner reflects on collapsed deal

Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner has shed fresh light on the conversations that ultimately led to Marc Guehi’s proposed move to Liverpool collapsing in the closing moments of the summer window. His latest comments arrive as speculation builds again ahead of January, though the prospect of a revived pursuit appears remote.

Glasner outlines stance during summer negotiations

Liverpool’s attempt to secure Guehi on deadline day had progressed to the point of a completed medical and an agreed fee. Yet, despite the defender preparing for an Anfield switch, Palace reversed their position at the final stage.

That decision has had clear ramifications. Giovanni Leoni’s season-ending ACL injury on debut has left Arne Slot with little depth behind Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konaté, with Joe Gomez the only established cover.

Photo: IMAGO

At Palace, the immediate priority was preserving stability during their first foray into European competition. Chairman Steve Parish later admitted that the context of competing on the continent made the idea of losing their England international untenable at the time.

Reports later emerged claiming Glasner had threatened to walk away if Guehi was sold. The Austrian has now rejected those suggestions, though his wider comments hinted at dissatisfaction with the club’s broader transfer strategy.

Following a recent defeat to Manchester United, Glasner publicly questioned the decision to “save rather than invest” during what he considered a crucial moment in the club’s development.

Manager clarifies summer conversations with Parish

Speaking again this week, Glasner elaborated on what was discussed during the summer, offering a more detailed account of his guidance to Palace’s hierarchy.

“I know the team, what they can do and maybe what they cannot,” he said. “I know how many matches we face, who will be away for AFCON, and all these things must be judged. I speak with the chairman and the board and give my advice.”

Addressing the Guehi situation directly, he continued: “Everyone said I threatened to step down – that is completely wrong. I said that if we sell Marc Guehi without the right replacement, we could struggle.”

His message to Parish was simple: “If you are fine with that situation for Crystal Palace, sell him. If not, keep him. The chairman decided Marc stays.”

Glasner was also keen to stress that his recommendations were not made to influence discussions over his own contract: “It is never a wish list to secure anything for me. It is simply about what is required to progress in the Premier League.”

January prospects rated as uncertainty grows

As the winter window approaches, Guehi’s future will inevitably come back into focus. His contract expires at the end of the season, leaving Palace with one final opportunity to receive a transfer fee if he opts not to extend.

Liverpool retain an interest, but confidence around a January breakthrough is low. According to recent reporting, the chances of an agreement midway through the campaign are slim, particularly given Palace’s league position and the defender’s importance.

With Slot managing stretched defensive resources and Guehi set to be one of the league’s most in-demand centre-backs next summer, the situation promises to remain a prominent subplot throughout the second half of the season.