Liverpool could have completed huge deadline day move for £55m | OneFootball

Marc Guéhi’s Collapsed Liverpool Move Highlights Palace Gamble

Credit to Sam Wallace of The Telegraph for reporting the inside story of how Liverpool’s late push for Marc Guéhi fell apart. What seemed like a straightforward £35m transfer turned into a bold stand by Crystal Palace, one that could reshape both their season and Guéhi’s career trajectory.

Parish and Glasner Stand Firm

Liverpool’s £35m, plus add-ons, bid for Guéhi was rejected as Palace chairman Steve Parish chose to back manager Oliver Glasner. Wallace reports Glasner’s firm stance after Guéhi’s outstanding display against Aston Villa: “We have to keep Marc if we want to play a successful season.”

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The Austrian’s logic was clear: Palace are juggling four competitions, already coping with injuries to Adam Wharton and Ismaïla Sarr. Losing their captain now could have undone their momentum. Parish, usually pragmatic in the transfer market, instead prioritised sporting success over financial safety.

Replacement Plans Stalled

Palace scouted widely for a successor. Manuel Akanji opted for Inter Milan, Cristhian Mosquera joined Arsenal, and Ousmane Diomande’s £45m valuation was deemed too risky. While Jaydee Canvot was signed from Toulouse, the 19-year-old cannot yet step into Guéhi’s shoes.

As Wallace notes, had Liverpool gone higher—“Had Liverpool offered £55m for Guéhi then the deal would have been done”—the outcome may have been very different.

Future Choices for Guéhi

Guéhi himself handled the saga with professionalism. He never forced the move, even though a leaked farewell video hinted at his readiness. Wallace suggests he could have “the pick of the best clubs in the world” next summer, with Real Madrid and Liverpool again in the mix.

Palace now face the risk of losing him for free in 2026. Yet Parish calculated that a Conference League run, potential prize money, and Premier League placement could outweigh the £35m they turned down.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

From a Liverpool perspective, this collapse is very frustrating. Liverpool fans had grown used to the idea of Guéhi arriving as an excellent option to fight for a role with Ibou Konate and Joe Gomez.

The sense among supporters is that £35m was a reasonable bid in today’s market. If Palace truly valued Guéhi higher, perhaps Liverpool underestimated his importance.

Looking ahead, the Guéhi story isn’t over. Liverpool may return in January or next summer, but competition will be fierce. Real Madrid, always sharp in the free-agent market, could swoop. From the Kop’s perspective, this deal feels like one that slipped away due to hesitancy rather than impossibility. If Guéhi is lining up at Anfield in 2026 wearing another shirt, there will be regret.