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Marc Guehi has earned praise for his professionalism after a potential transfer to Liverpool fell through on deadline day.
The England international appeared set to complete a move to Merseyside, having undergone a medical in London following the clubs’ agreement on a $47 million deal. However, with just hours left in the summer transfer window, the move ran into serious complications as Crystal Palace struggled to secure a replacement.
Igor Julio seemed poised to join the Eagles on loan from Brighton, though he ended up at West Ham. Despite the uncertainty, a deal sheet was submitted, granting an additional two hours to finalize the transfer. However not long after, the move collapsed.
In contrast to Alexander Isak, who secured a record breaking move to Liverpool after being on strike at Newcastle, Guehi remained professional throughout the summer despite seemingly being eager to make the switch.
The Eagles’ captain remained ever-present for Crystal Palace right up until Monday’s summer transfer deadline, capping it off by scoring a stunning goal in the 3-0 victory over Aston Villa last Sunday.
Guehi's attitude has been heavily praised for how he has conducted himself. “I’m just a delighted a player has honoured his contract […] he didn’t rock any boats, he did what he should have done,” Tony Cascarino said on talkSPORT.
“He made himself available, he was captain at Villa Park [for Crystal Palace vs Aston Villa], and he played his part in their 3-0 victory while also scoring a goal, that’s how it should be, he’s being a professional.
“Player power has got stronger, obviously if your contract is running down and you’re down to one year or you’re in a position where your contract has run out, you have nearly all the power, Marc Guehi could easily sign for a club in January, only four months away.”
Guehi linked up with the England squad immediately after his proposed move to Liverpool collapsed.
Ahead of England’s 2-0 victory over Andorra, where Guehi played 76 minutes before being replaced by Aston Villa’s Ezri Konsa, manager Thomas Tuchel praised the FA Cup winner for the way he handled his failed transfer to Liverpool, highlighting his “brilliant attitude.”
He said: "Of course we had a chat with him. He looks absolutely fine and impressive on the field. He has had a good couple of weeks behind him on the performance side.
“He’s the captain and the leader and played very, very impressive in the end of last season and in the start of this season, and continued exactly like this in camp.
“So (he) was very impressive. He handles [the transfer collapse] with respect and with grace and with a brilliant attitude.”
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