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Liverpool’s inability to sign Marc Guehi in the final throes of this summer’s transfer window will be remembered as the only negative to what was an outstanding market from the club’s hierarchy.
Guehi could have been the cherry on top of the summer business had Liverpool managed to secure his services, but despite submitting a deal sheet in time for the 25-year-old to complete his switch to Anfield, an 11th-hour change of mind thwarted the transfer.
Igor Julio’s decision to choose West Ham United over Crystal Palace had a knock-on effect for Liverpool. It meant the Eagles could not secure a replacement for Guehi and therefore resulted in him staying at Selhurst Park.
Sources have told Liverpool.com that the 25-year-old was left devastated by the turn of events and had his heart set on a move to Anfield.
It’s why there’s a general sense that Liverpool is likely to secure Guehi’s signing next summer. The defender’s contract expires at the end of June and he would then be available for free.
While FSG bobbins will be licking their lips at the prospect of saving $47 million on Guehi, his contract situation does present one problem.
As of January, Liverpool can’t officially begin negotiations with Guehi - although unofficial routes will always be in play, as is the case for other Premier League sides.
But clubs overseas can approach Guehi from the beginning of 2026. That may concern Liverpool - could a potential Champions League rival steal a march on the Reds?
The Guardian claims Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Juventus have already “expressed an interest” in the England international.
The report also claims Guehi is considering giving up the captain’s armband due to Monday’s disappointment, while head coach Oliver Glasner had threatened to resign if his center-back was sold.
On Sunday, with less than 24 hours remaining in the transfer market, Glasner publicly insisted Palace was not in a position to sell Guehi.
“Playing a successful season, we need Marc,” said the Austrian. “It's not possible within one day to find the replacement who can play immediately in the Premier League.
“When you see our defensive set-up, this is our foundation, everybody knows exactly what he has to do, everybody can rely on each other. Marc isn't a small part in this, he's our captain. We have to keep him. I told this to the chairman. It's not for me.”
Another aspect for Liverpool to consider is that other Premier League clubs may be tempted to try and sign Guehi next summer given no transfer fee will be required.
One option on the table for Liverpool is to make a January offer for Guehi, but that has obvious complications, particularly beginning negotiations once again with a club that will be desperate to retain its star man midway through the campaign.
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