Crystal Palace chairman explains why Marc Guehi transfer to Liverpool was scrapped

Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish has revealed the club's historic European campaign was behind the decision to block Marc Guehi's proposed transfer to Liverpool on deadline day.

The Reds had reached an agreement worth $47 million with Palace for the England international defender. Guehi was granted permission to complete his medical in London on 1st September.

But the Eagles' efforts to bring in a replacement collapsed when Brighton's Igor Julio opted for a loan switch to West Ham instead of Selhurst Park. Reports at the time suggested manager Oliver Glasner, keen to retain his captain, had threatened to resign if the defender departed south London.

The Anfield switch was subsequently scrapped, with Liverpool now anticipated to make a fresh approach next summer when the 25 year old will be available on a free transfer.

Parish has now confirmed the FA Cup winners' debut European venture was the decisive factor in retaining Guehi, who can negotiate a pre-contract agreement with overseas clubs from 1st January.

"It's a difficult decision," Parish told talkSPORT. It's as simple as that these things are never black and white.

"I decided in the end that, based on the advice that I got and with what I think, that we would have a better season if we kept Marc.

"We don't guess about these things. If you look at it rationally, if you look at what is worth the place in the Premier League, the fact that we're in the Conference League for the first time in our history, this is a fairly unusual set of circumstances in which to keep a player.

"If we were fighting between the difference of 10th and 14th, if that was going to be the difference between keeping Marc and letting Marc go, then probably we would have said: 'Right, we should take the money'."

Guehi has since been linked with the likes of Barcelona and spoke on his future while on international duty last week.

When questioned about the significance of sorting out his personal future, Guehi responded, "For me, it doesn't matter," adding, "As long as I'm playing well for Palace, there is an opportunity for me to be here.

"Whether it's sorted or not, it doesn't matter for me. Personally, I don't know if I can think that far ahead. I like to just take it step by step, and that is just focusing on the games that I have at Palace and any upcoming opportunities I have here."

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