Liverpool’s deadline-day move for Marc Guehi collapses

Liverpool’s attempt to sign Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi on transfer deadline day has broken down, despite a fee agreement being reached between the clubs. 

The Reds had lined up a deal worth a minimum of £35m, and the England defender was given permission to undergo a medical in London ahead of signing a long-term contract.

The transfer fell through after Palace decided not to sanction Guehi’s departure. The Eagles were unable to secure their preferred replacements, with Fiorentina’s Igor Julio instead joining West Ham. 

Palace did complete the signing of 19-year-old Toulouse centre-back Jaydee Canvot on a four-year contract but were adamant about securing two new defenders before allowing their captain to leave.

Liverpool had identified Guehi as a key target this summer following the departure of Jarrell Quansah to Bayer Leverkusen. 

Concerns over the solidity of their defence had also grown after conceding six goals in their opening three matches, while losing the Community Shield on penalties to Palace and surrendering two-goal leads in the league before recovering to win.

The 25-year-old centre-back scored a stunning goal in Palace’s 3-0 win at Aston Villa on Sunday, but avoided discussing his future afterwards, instead praising his side’s collective performance.

He has featured in all six of Palace’s matches across three competitions so far this season, including their Community Shield triumph and European Conference League fixtures.

Guehi has become central to Palace’s rise in recent seasons, captaining them to last year’s FA Cup victory – the club’s first major trophy, which secured a return to European competition. 

However, his long-term future remains unclear. He has entered the final year of his contract and has already informed the club he does not intend to sign an extension.

Since joining Palace from Chelsea in 2021, Guehi has broken into the England squad and was a key figure in the national team’s run to the Euro 2024 final. 

For now, he will remain at Selhurst Park, though speculation over his next move is expected to intensify as his contract winds down.