Marc Guehi's Liverpool Move Collapses After Crystal Palace Pull the Plug
Liverpool's hopes of signing Marc Guehi in a £35 million deal have sensationally collapsed after Crystal Palace pulled out of the transfer at the last moment. Despite the collapsed deal Liverpool are still favourites to win the league across football betting markets.
The England defender had completed his medical with the Reds and was on the verge of signing a new contract. A deal sheet was even submitted to the Premier League before the 7pm transfer deadline, keeping the move alive beyond the official cut-off. Yet Palace stunned both clubs by cancelling the agreement, leaving Guehi in limbo.
Replacement Issues Block Deal
Palace had been planning for Guehi's departure and targeted Brighton defender Igor Julio as his replacement. However, their plans were derailed when West Ham swooped in to hijack the deal. The Hammers, needing cover after Nayef Aguerd's move to Marseille, quickly agreed terms with Brighton, leaving Palace without the reinforcements they had lined up.
The collapse of that deal proved decisive. Palace chairman Steve Parish had been keen to resolve Guehi's future this summer rather than risk losing him for free when his contract expires next year. But with no suitable replacement available, the club decided to stand firm and keep their captain.
Glasner's Influence
Palace boss Oliver Glasner also played a major role in blocking the transfer. The Austrian manager, who has already expressed frustration with what he sees as a "passive" summer window, made it clear that Guehi was too important to lose without a replacement in place.
Following the Eagles' 3-0 win over Aston Villa last weekend, in which Guehi scored a stunning goal, Glasner revealed he had urged the board not to sell their skipper under the current circumstances.
"I told the chairman we have to keep Marc if we want to play a successful season," Glasner said. "We all agreed that we would only sell if the right replacement was in the building. It's August 31, and we don't have one. He is our captain, one of our most important players. We cannot replace him in one day."
A Missed Opportunity for Liverpool
For Liverpool, the collapse represents a major setback. Arne Slots side, who boast a 100% start to the season, had identified Guehi as a long-term solution in defence. The 25-year-old England international was set to provide competition and depth alongside Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konaté and Joe Gomez.
Losing out on Guehi will be a frustration, especially after personal terms were agreed and all medical checks completed. The Reds must now continue their campaign with their existing defensive options, at least until the January transfer window.
Palace's Balancing Act
The saga underlines the fine balance Palace must strike between ambition and pragmatism. The club had already sanctioned the £67.5m sale of Eberechi Eze to Arsenal earlier in the window, another blow to their attacking depth. Losing Guehi in the same summer would have been a huge gamble, particularly without an adequate replacement ready.
Palace also explored a move for Jaydee Canvot, the 19-year-old Toulouse defender, with a £23m fee reportedly agreed between the clubs. But with time against them and West Ham stealing a march on Igor Julio, the Eagles ultimately decided to hold firm.
What Happens Next?
The decision means Guehi will remain at Selhurst Park for at least another season, although his long-term future remains uncertain. He has made it clear he will not sign an extension, meaning Palace could face losing him for nothing next summer unless a January exit is arranged.
It is also a reminder of how volatile the transfer market can be. Even with medicals done, contracts agreed, and paperwork submitted, a single missing piece can bring the whole house of cards down.
For Liverpool, attention now turns back to their strong start on the pitch. For Palace, keeping their captain may help steady the ship in the short term, but the bigger question of Guehi's future remains unresolved.
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