Didi Hamann hints at Marc Guehi regret after Liverpool transfer miss

After Liverpool missed out on signing Marc Guehi, Didi Hamann has expressed his regret over the club's failed move for the defender, who now plays for Manchester City

Marc Guehi signed for Manchester City in January(Image: 2026 Getty Images)

Former Liverpool midfielder Didi Hamann has expressed regret over the Reds missing out on signing England defender Marc Guehi.

Liverpool had agreed a fee with Crystal Palace for Guehi’s deadline-day move last summer, and personal terms had been settled while the defender was undergoing a medical. However, the deal was unexpectedly canceled at the last minute, forcing Guehi to return to Palace.

Despite the disappointment, he remained a key figure for the Eagles, missing just one of their first 34 fixtures of the season. Earlier this month, Guehi finally secured a move when Manchester City’s £20 million ($27m) plus add-ons offer was accepted.

The England international made his City debut last Saturday, helping Pep Guardiola’s side keep a clean sheet in a win over Wolves.

Hamann believes Guehi won’t regret joining Manchester City, but insists Liverpool could have signed the England defender if the Reds had been willing to offer more money.

"Obviously, Marc Guehi would have had the choice of a number of clubs," said the German.

"Bayern Munich were interested as well. He would have thought long and hard about it and what to do. He would have thought long and hard about it and what to do.

"I think he’ll play at Manchester City. He’s shown he is probably the best English center-back at the moment. He plays really well for the national team.

Didi Hamann believes Guehi won't regret joining Manchester City(Image: Sebastian El-Saqqa - firo sportphoto/Getty Images)

"I heard that if Liverpool had paid a bit more in the summer, they could have had him, so maybe he thought that they had their chance to get him in the summer. Why should I join you now in the winter?

"Maybe he felt let down in a way. I don’t know. Maybe that was one of the reasons that affected his decision."

In an interview with CasinoBeats, the 52-year-old added: "I think he will be a very good player for Manchester City, but then again they brought in 12 or 13 new players for an awful lot of money in the last 12 or 18 months and things are not really clicking for them either, although not as bad as Liverpool."

When asked about the scuppered Liverpool transfer, Guehi said: "Very close. The medical was pretty much done, and then it got pulled at the last minute.

"But my mindset is what will be, will be. God's got a plan for me. Just move on to the next one."

Liverpool.com says: Liverpool’s hesitation on Guehi feels like a costly misstep. While he’s thriving at Man City, a slightly higher bid could have secured a talented, homegrown-ready defender for the Reds.