Liverpool in ‘open dialogue’ with Marc Guehi ahead of January arrival
Marc Guehi could be on his way to Liverpool as soon as the January transfer window opens after they failed with an eleventh-hour move for him, sources have told Football Insider.
Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, senior correspondent Pete O’Rourke revealed what sources have told him about Liverpool’s so-far flawed attempts to sign Guehi.
Guehi played 76 minutes of England‘s 2-0 victory over Andorra on Saturday in his first appearance since that deadline day collapse, which saw Oliver Glasner give Crystal Palace an ultimatum over their captain.
Glasner personally intervened to prevent Guehi’s last-minute sale after the two clubs agreed a £35million transfer fee, and that leaves the January window as Palace’s last opportunity to avoid losing him for free.
Football Insider revealed on 6 September that Liverpool want to save “a lot of money” on Guehi and wait until his contract expires, but January gives them an opportunity to beat other big clubs to his signature.
Sources have told Football Insider that Liverpool are still front-runners to sign Guehi and are in “open dialogue” with the defender over his future, with a view to finalising a move for the 25-year-old either in January or next summer.
Marc Guehi given Liverpool boost – ‘We’d love to bring you here’
Football Insider revealed on 3 September that Crystal Palace will demand £25million for Guehi in the January window, with Liverpool weighing up whether to pay a fee and ensure he ends up at Anfield.
Speaking on the new Inside Track podcast, O’Rourke stated that Guehi is still being steered towards a move to Merseyside after his collapsed move, with a decision set to be made by both parties in January.
“I’m sure there will be interest from other clubs in January, with Palace having their last opportunity to cash in on Guehi”, he told Football Insider.
“Once the transfer window reopens, he can either stay and run down his contract, or other big clubs will make offers for him.
“Liverpool are still front-runners, they probably spoke to Guehi once the move did collapse – ‘We still want you, we would love to bring you to Anfield’.
“There’s still open dialogue between him and Liverpool over a potential move, whether that’s in January or next summer.”
Liverpool likely to pay up for Marc Guehi after fee agreed
Crystal Palace have been criticised for “bad business” after retaining their captain only to potentially lose him for free in 12 months’ time, but Liverpool’s lateness in agreeing a deal leaves blame on both sides.
Palace had already cashed in on Eberechi Eze for £60million and Yeremy Pino only arrived to replace him with three days of the window left, and they would’ve been left with a matter of hours to replace Guehi.
Liverpool’s eventual £35m makes clear that Arne Slot‘s side still have money in the bank, and with other clubs set to circle in January, a sizeable portion of that fee must be committed to wrapping up Guehi’s signature.