Liverpool Told to Pay £45m to Sign Premier League Star – Report | OneFootball

Marc Guehi Edging Closer to Liverpool as Palace Prepare for Sale

Liverpool’s defensive rebuild looks set to continue with Marc Guehi at the heart of the discussions. According to The Express, Crystal Palace are preparing for the likely departure of their captain, with the 26-year-old entering the final year of his contract at Selhurst Park.

Liverpool Keen to Strengthen Defence

Liverpool opened negotiations for Guehi on 12 August and remain firm admirers of the England international. The sticking point has been price, with Palace seeking £45 million and Liverpool unwilling to cross the £35m threshold. Talks stalled earlier this month but, as The Express reported, discussions are expected to resume after Palace’s Conference League play-off against Fredrikstad.

Guehi is said to be “open to a move to the reigning Premier League champions” and the deal now feels closer than ever. The urgency from Liverpool is clear. Joe Gomez remains the only alternative beyond Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate, while Giovanni Leoni has only just arrived from Parma.

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Palace Prepare Replacements

Oliver Glasner has acknowledged that Palace needed Guehi available until at least their European qualifier, but chairman Steve Parish has admitted the door is open. As Parish told Channel 5: “If Marc wants to sign a new contract then he can stay! It’s a difficult situation. Everyone has to sell players to comply with the rules.”

Palace have been proactive in searching for alternatives. They have shown interest in Manchester City’s Manuel Akanji, tabling an offer believed to be around £15m, and they have enquired about Monaco’s Mohammed Salisu. Rennes’ Jeremy Jacquet and Toulouse’s Jaydee Canvot have also been considered.

The London club face upheaval after already losing Eberechi Eze to Arsenal for £67.5m. With Yeremy Pino on his way in from Villarreal and further interest in Reiss Nelson and Christos Tzolis, Guehi’s departure would only add to a turbulent summer at Selhurst Park.

Timing of Deal Crucial

Palace’s Conference League campaign has forced a delay, but the transfer window closes on Monday. Guehi could feasibly feature against both Fredrikstad and Aston Villa before sealing a move north. For Liverpool, this late push is about more than depth. Konate’s uneven early-season form has heightened concerns, making Guehi a priority target.

As The Express highlights, Palace are mindful of losing Guehi for free next summer. This context makes a sale almost inevitable, especially with Liverpool prepared to push negotiations once Palace complete their European tie.

What Guehi Could Bring to Liverpool

The England defender is admired for his leadership and composure in possession. At 26, he has the maturity to step straight into Liverpool’s back line and provide balance alongside Van Dijk or Konate. His ability to defend space aggressively and handle Premier League intensity would complement Arne Slot’s approach.

The situation now comes down to compromise. Palace want value for their captain, while Liverpool know that his contract status leaves them in a strong negotiating position. The next few days will prove decisive.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

This feels like a huge moment for Liverpool’s season. The defence has been reshaped with Jeremie Frimpong, Milos Kerkez and Giovanni Leoni already through the door, but Marc Guehi could be the missing piece. After the departures of Jarell Quansah and Trent Alexander-Arnold, supporters have been waiting for a statement centre-back signing, and Guehi ticks every box.

Arne Slot has started his reign in the best possible way, lifting the Premier League in his debut season and now opening this campaign with back-to-back wins against Bournemouth and Newcastle. Yet even in those victories, the sense that Liverpool need one more defender has been clear. Konate’s form has worried fans, while Van Dijk cannot be expected to play every game at 34 years old.

Guehi is Premier League proven, still young at 26, and a natural leader who could easily wear the armband in the future. The thought of him marshalling the back line with Van Dijk and helping to guide Leoni’s development is exciting. If the club can get him for closer to £35m, it will feel like one of the smartest deals of the summer.

The departure of Kostas Tsimikas, expected to join Roma on loan, makes this even more important. Liverpool need quality and depth, and Guehi would give Slot both. Fans are buzzing at the idea of seeing him walk out at Anfield in red.