Liverpool Manager Confirms Club Was Close to Signing Marc Guehi

Arne Slot, the Liverpool manager, revealed that the club almost signed Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi during the last transfer window. The deal fell through when Palace withdrew their acceptance at the last minute due to their inability to secure a replacement in time, as confirmed by reports. Slot’s comments hint that Liverpool might try to sign Guehi again in future transfer windows.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Liverpool had agreed to pay just over £35 million for Guehi, who is in the final year of his contract with Crystal Palace. Guehi refused to extend his contract, and he was ready to join Liverpool. However, the deal collapsed when Palace failed to find a replacement promptly. Arne Slot admitted that Liverpool almost signed him, but such things happen in football. When asked about future plans, Slot simply said, “I don’t tell you,” leaving fans guessing.

LIVERPOOL AND PALACE: SEASON SO FAR

Liverpool has started well under manager Arne Slot in the 2025-26 Premier League season. They are currently fourth in the table, level on points with Arsenal, Tottenham and Bournemouth, but with one less game than them. Their defense, led by Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konaté, has been strong. Crystal Palace, with Marc Guehi as captain, has had mixed results. They are ninth in the standings with one win and three draws. Liverpool will face Burnley next, while Palace will play west Ham after drawing against Sunderland this weekend.

WHAT COMES NEXT?

Arne Slot’s comments indicate that Liverpool still admire Guehi and may try to sign him again. However, English clubs cannot discuss free transfers with him before his contract expires in June 2026, at which point he is likely to become one of the most sought-after free agents in English football next summer, according to a report. Real Madrid and Barcelona could step in first, making Liverpool’s task more difficult. For now, Liverpool will rely on their current defenders and new signing Giovanni Leoni while closely monitoring Guehi’s situation at Palace. The January transfer window will be interesting, but a summer move seems more likely if Guehi’s contract situation remains unchanged.