Sources: Liverpool confident they will beat Man City to ‘superstar’ signing
Liverpool are confident that they will beat the likes of Man City and Real Madrid to a “superstar” signing who is expected to move in 2026.
Arne Slot has been bullish in the transfer market this year, having spent over £400million during the summer window, but remains keen to bolster his squad.
Despite Liverpool agreeing a British record deal for Alexander Isak on transfer deadline day, they were dealt a blow when they missed out on Marc Guehi.
However, as I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, the Reds are still confident of beating rivals to his signature in 2026.
This comes after Football Insider revealed on 12 September that Man City are plotting a move for Guehi alongside the likes of Real Madrid and Bayern Munich.
Liverpool confident of beating rivals to Marc Guehi deal
Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider on 9 September that Man City are well-placed to sign Guehi to resolve their defensive concerns.
However, Slot’s side remain confident of getting a deal over the line in 2026, with the centre-back widely expected to leave Crystal Palace for free.
While a January move is considered unlikely as things stand, Liverpool believe they have the edge over Europe’s other elite clubs to beat them to the next summer.
Speaking on the Inside Track podcast, I explained: “If Guehi does run down his contract and become a free agent, it could be an open race for him.
“It will depend on who offers him the best deal, and Liverpool right now are still confident that they can land Guehi if he explores his options as a free agent.
“It does seem Liverpool will wait until next summer to try and push through a deal for Guehi having come so close to signing him in the summer before the deal fell through.
“There are clubs across Europe looking at Guehi because the chance to sign a proven Premier League player and England international on a free would be a huge coup.
“It’s an open race as things stand, but Liverpool have done some of the hard work already, and they hope that will give them the edge to get a deal over the line.”
Crystal Palace to lose Guehi on a free as European giants line up
Guehi could decide to snub Liverpool next summer given the growing interest in him from some of Europe’s elite clubs including Real Madrid, Barcelona and Bayern Munich.
His likely availability on a free transfer has put a number of clubs on alert, as he is insisting he will not sign a new contract at Crystal Palace.
Palace chairman Steve Parish labelled Guehi a “superstar” [via BBC] when discussing his future last summer, but now looks set to lose his prised asset on a free transfer.
The England international’s summer move fell through at the last minute as Palace failed to bring in a replacement at such short notice.
However, Oliver Glasner will be happy to have kept his captain at the club as they aim to follow up last season’s FA Cup win by winning further silverware.
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