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Liverpool has seemingly decided not to pursue Marc Guehi in January, instead holding out for a potential free transfer in the summer. But that strategy could come under strain amid interest from overseas clubs, with a new side now joining Bayern Munich in the lengthening queue.
Having elected to keep his captain over the summer, Steve Parish has most likely forfeited a transfer fee for one of his star players, although the start that Crystal Palace has made on the pitch goes some way to justifying that decision. The problem that Liverpool has is that foreign suitors can start to negotiate a Bosman deal with Guehi from January onward.
As a domestic rival, Arne Slot's side cannot open talks until far later, unless it offers a fee in the winter window. Despite the serious injury to Giovanni Leoni and question marks over Ibrahima Konate's form, it's thought that Liverpool will not do this.
Of course, Liverpool does have an advantage over possible rivals, given that Guehi has already agreed to come to Anfield once. Personal terms were agreed, and he had even completed part of his medical.
Other teams seeking the defender's signature will need to make their case from scratch. Liverpool is gambling on the fact that his heart stays set on the Reds.
But lots can change in a year, with Liverpool not guaranteed its champion status as a bargaining chip by then. And the clubs seeking to muscle in are not exactly minnows, either.
Bayern Munich had already been linked with Guehi. And now, Mundo Deportivo says that Barcelona is set to join the battle.
Real Madrid, too, has taken a look. Guehi is a "gem", especially on a free transfer, and numerous top sides are assessing a possible deal.
Against this backdrop, Liverpool will have to give serious thought to altering its stance. How confident is it that Guehi would hold firm if a move to Camp Nou or the Bernabeu presented itself?
It may be that his mind is truly made up, but it's clearly a gamble to rely on that fact. After all, the only "risk" involved in making a move in January would be securing an elite talent six months early, at a time when the position looks decidedly vulnerable anyway.
Of course, there would be some reluctance to pay a significant fee for a player set to be available for free so soon. But the asking price would presumably be below the $47 million agreed in the summer, or in any case ,no higher, relative pocket change to Liverpool in the modern era.
On the other hand, Liverpool is no longer fighting for its life at Europe's top table, it is comfortably there on merit. While there is still the odd chastening transfer battle with Real Madrid, Anfield is a dream destination for the vast majority of players.
Just look at how Richard Hughes was able to operate this summer, gazumping Bayern Munich for Florian Wirtz. Then there was Alexander Isak, perhaps the most sought-after striker around.
So if Liverpool does decide to hope that Guehi holds firm, it will not be a lost cause. But with Barcelona joining Bayern Munich in the race, it could be an anxious wait.
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