Liverpool's 'gentleman's agreement' with Marc Guehi as transfer worry lingers

It's claimed Liverpool has a gentleman's agreement with Crystal Palace for Marc Guehi in 2026, but Bayern Munich and Real Madrid interest could derail the England defender's Anfield move

Marc Guehi is said to have a gentleman's agreement(Image: Getty Images)

Liverpool has a gentleman's agreement in place with Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi following the collapse of his transfer last summer when the Eagles withdrew from the deal.

That's according to Sky Sports, as Guehi continues to be linked with a move to Merseyside. However, the Reds may face an anxious wait come January, with the England international attracting significant interest from across Europe.

Guehi will be permitted to enter discussions with foreign clubs within days and can put pen to paper on a pre-contract agreement from the beginning of 2026 as he approaches the final six months of his Palace contract.

Liverpool's only option would be to strike a deal with Palace to secure the defender's signature ahead of schedule, rather than endure an anxious wait for him to arrive on a free transfer in the summer.

The Reds are looking to strengthen their defensive options, with a center-back their main target for 2026, as Ibrahima Konate is poised to depart the club when his contract expires in the summer. There is still time for Konate to agree to a new contract.

However, Alexander Isak's weekend injury may have altered Liverpool's immediate priorities.

Guehi is in high demand(Image: Getty Images)

This approach carries risk, with Bayern Munich and Real Madrid keen on securing a deal for Guehi, while Barcelona could yet enter the fray. The Catalan team is in the market for a new defender following Andreas Christensen's injury.

Despite the looming period of transfer activity in the football world, Arne Slot isn't focused on the window. "My only thoughts are on the upcoming two games," he stated ahead of Saturday's game against Wolves. "Two difficult ones again, two home games.

"I think it's a time for the players we do have available to do what they've done so many times, to roll their sleeves up, and not only our players, but our fans as well to help us in the best possible way to get the results we want.

"The players that are available need to give everything they have, and the fans, as they usually do, and I expect them to do now again as well, will help us. That is where my focus is."

However, Slot dismissed any possibility of recalling Harvey Elliott from his season-long loan at Aston Villa.

Elliott has seen limited playing time for the Villans, who have an obligation to secure his services permanently should he reach a specific number of appearances.

Slot remarked: "No, Harvey is an Aston Villa player and he is supposed to be going there for a season.

"So, questions about him, the best thing to ask is Aston Villa - they are doing really well, by the way."