Liverpool’s long-running interest in Marc Guehi has resurfaced ahead of the January transfer window — but a new update suggests the Reds may have to wait a little longer.
The Crystal Palace captain came close to joining Liverpool late in the summer, only for the deal to collapse on deadline day when Palace decided to keep hold of him. Since then, rumours of a revived move have refused to fade.
Last month, Spanish journalist Bruno Alemany hinted that a switch to Anfield was almost a done deal. However, The Athletic has now poured cold water on that optimism, indicating that Palace are far from convinced about doing business in the middle of the season.
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Fresh report: January transfer looking unlikely
According to Gregg Evans of The Athletic, Liverpool still admire Guehi, but the chances of securing his signature next month are slim. The defender has just seven months left on his contract, which complicates any winter transfer.
Evans noted that a deal in January would raise several questions:
What fee would Palace demand so close to his contract expiring?
How much would Liverpool be willing to offer?
And would Guehi even want to leave early?
From the player’s perspective, waiting until the summer could put him in a stronger negotiating position as a free agent — and remaining at Palace for the rest of the season gives him consistent minutes ahead of the World Cup.
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Should Liverpool risk waiting?
Arne Slot currently has only three senior centre-backs available after Giovanni Leoni’s season-ending injury, and defensive frailties have already been exposed with 20 Premier League goals conceded.
If FSG decide to hold off until June in pursuit of a free transfer, they risk another club jumping in with a January bid that Palace might find acceptable — especially if contract talks continue to stall.
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How does Guehi compare to Liverpool’s defenders this season?
(Stats via FBref)
Metric Guehi Van Dijk Konaté
Pass completion 85.8% 90.3% 89.4%
Tackles won 15 5 11
Tackle success 69.2% 75% 68.8%
Tackles + interceptions 37 21 25
Errors leading to shots 1 1 3
Recoveries 43 29 34
Aerial duel success 66.7% 77.6% 75%
The numbers show Guehi outperforming the Liverpool pair in key defensive contributions such as tackles, interceptions, and recoveries. His mistake rate has also remained low.
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Final verdict
Convincing Palace to sell their captain mid-season will be extremely difficult — but given Liverpool’s current defensive challenges, it might be a gamble worth taking. Waiting until the summer could open the door for rival clubs, and Guehi’s importance to Liverpool’s long-term defensive rebuild is becoming increasingly clear.
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