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Newcastle legend Alan Shearer has praised Marc Guehi as the "ultimate professional" during his failed attempt to join Liverpool, but argues it "doesn't seem right" that his transfer collapsed whilst Alexander Isak secured his Anfield switch after downing tools.
Guehi's move fell through at the eleventh hour on deadline day after Crystal Palace couldn't land his replacement, Brighton's Igor Julio, who subsequently chose West Ham instead.
The England center-back had already undergone part of his medical examination and even recorded a goodbye message. Liverpool had struck an agreement for Guehi, whose Selhurst Park deal runs out next summer, but Palace chairman Steve Parish executed a dramatic about-face moments before the window closed.
Guehi has featured in all six of Palace's fixtures this campaign, including two European ties, and has received widespread praise for his conduct throughout the ongoing speculation surrounding a Liverpool switch.
Conversely, Isak secured his Liverpool transfer after refusing to represent Newcastle. Yoane Wissa employed identical tactics before departing Brentford for the Magpies.
Shearer insisted Guehi "did everything right" but questioned why he wasn't rewarded with his desired move, whilst the other two secured their departures through questionable methods. He branded Isak and Wissa's conduct a "bad look for football'.
"Marc Guehi, on the other hand, did everything right for Crystal Palace and suffered because he didn't get his move to Liverpool as Palace couldn't get a replacement," he said.
"He was the ultimate professional but didn't get his move, and that doesn't seem right. I'm sure he'll get that move at the end of the season on a free transfer and benefit financially, but still.
"I guess for both clubs it's a relief that it has been sorted out, particularly Newcastle and Brentford, and for the players especially. Their managers have had to constantly talk every single day about certain players rather than the team, which isn't helpful.
"It needed to be sorted out one way or the other, and it has been. So it's time to move on, get your head down and concentrate on football, which is what everyone always wants anyway."
Shearer argued the situations demonstrated that the transfer window ought to close before the Premier League season commences, a policy which was actually implemented between 2018 and 2020.
He continued: "I'm not a fan of the transfer window going past the season starting. I guess maybe one of the reasons it does is to align with the rest of Europe or world football because of their leagues as well.
" But it's only a hindrance for players, clubs, and fans really that the window has gone past the start of the season. I'm not a fan of that."
The Guardian reports that Marc Guehi is "extremely happy" at Crystal Palace, despite a failed move to Liverpool. It's suggested that Palace manager Oliver Glasner was prepared to step down if Guehi was sold without a suitable replacement lined up.
Despite his disappointment, Guehi will continue to represent the Eagles, although he is reportedly contemplating his future as club captain.
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