Arne Slot shuts down talk of potential Marc Guehi deal | OneFootball

Arne Slot Keeps Focus Amid Marc Guehi Transfer Noise

Liverpool’s January transfer window has been nudged into life by developments at Crystal Palace, yet Arne Slot has made it clear that speculation will not divert him from his priorities. With Palace captain Marc Guehi now openly available should a price be met, the Liverpool head coach has chosen discretion over debate, even as the context around his own squad sharpens interest.

Oliver Glasner’s candour has shifted the landscape. Palace’s manager acknowledged that Guehi could depart this month if a suitable offer arrives, confirming what many clubs suspected as January opened. Liverpool, long admirers of the England international, find themselves mentioned alongside Manchester City and Bayern Munich, but Slot has shut down any public assessment of Liverpool’s position.

Palace Threshold Sets January Context

Glasner’s remarks were notable for their clarity. Pressed on the growing interest, he admitted that Palace would act if the conditions were right.

“I’m not naive. If a massive offer comes and Marc wants to do it, it will happen,” Glasner told reporters.

He added: “There will be a threshold where the club has to say it will happen.”

Reports suggest that figure sits around £40 million, a rise on the £35 million agreement that collapsed during the summer. With Manchester City exploring defensive reinforcements due to injuries, the market is active and decisive action could be required.

Slot’s Transfer Silence Remains Consistent

Slot’s media appearance came at a pointed moment, given Liverpool’s defensive availability. Yet his response was firmly in keeping with his principles.

“I never talk about transfers in public, let alone about a transfer for maybe another club,” he said.

“You can try, but my answer is always the same. We don’t talk about players that are not ours.”

It was a familiar refrain, designed to protect the dressing room and maintain focus. While supporters may read between the lines, Slot offered no encouragement to the rumour mill.

Centre-Back Depth Under the Microscope

Pressed later on Liverpool’s centre-back situation, Slot was more expansive. With Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate the only consistently fit senior options, and Joe Gomez only recently returning, the challenge is clear.

“Joe is back now, so that’s already a big help,” he explained.

“But I think there is no manager in the world who would tell you ‘I am completely happy that I only have two centre-backs available’.”

Slot framed the issue within Liverpool’s broader strategy, referencing long-term planning and the signing of Giovanni Leoni, who will return next season. He also pointed to history, recalling similar challenges under Jurgen Klopp.

“You have to accept the situation,” Slot said. “I know Jurgen also had a few problems at centre-back… Nat Phillips – he played a lot.”

Liverpool have navigated these moments before. Whether Guehi becomes part of the next chapter remains unanswered, but for now Slot’s message is clear, patience, perspective and planning come first.