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Marc Guehi would be allowed to feature for Liverpool in the Champions League even if he plays a part as Crystal Palace begins its Europa Conference League campaign.
Despite the signing of Giovanni Leoni, Liverpool remains in the market for a central defender. Guehi has emerged as a key target, and discussions regarding a potential move are ongoing.
On Thursday, Palace will face Fredrikstad in the club’s first European fixture since 1998. Palace chairman Steve Parish is keen to retain his key players until after the commencement of the club's Conference League journey, with Guehi and Eberechi Eze linked with moves elsewhere.
Parish has earned a reputation as a tough negotiator, meaning any deals will have to be agreed upon on Palace's terms.
After playing in the draw with Chelsea at Selhurst Park, Guehi's future could be determined in the final days of the transfer window, and after the Palace captain has played for the Eagles in Europe.
From a Liverpool point of view, this could lead to concerns that Guehi may then be cup-tied for the Champions League should he move to Anfield. Appearing on 'BBC Match of the Day 2' on Sunday, host Gabby Logan confirmed that if Guehi plays midweek, he would not be ruled out of further involvement in a different European competition.
“They [Guehi and Eberechi Eze] can play on Thursday actually and then not be tied in other European competitions, should they go somewhere that wears red that plays perhaps in a different European competition,” said Logan.
Palace, armed with Guehi and Eze, faces Fredrikstad in a two-legged qualifier, with the first match at Selhurst Park on Thursday. The second leg takes place in Norway on Aug. 28.
Palace’s presence in Europe this season has been one of the big stories in soccer in recent weeks.
Having won the FA Cup last season, the Eagles should be competing in the Europa League this season, but UEFA’s multi-club rules and a missed deadline by Palace saw the club demoted to the Conference League.
Meanwhile, Liverpool has some time to focus on adding to its title-winning squad as the Reds are not in action until traveling to St. James’ Park to face Newcastle on Monday in what is set to be a heated game.
Liverpool has angered Newcastle fans due to the club's pursuit of Alexander Isak.
Perhaps Liverpool will complete a deal before Guehi plays on Thursday. Should the negotiations continue into the back end of the week and beyond, though, Liverpool will risk Guehi picking up an injury as he plays in Palace's rare European outing.
Liverpool is looking to sign Guehi for around £35 million ($47 million), but Palace is holding out for £45 million ($61 million), even with his deal expiring next summer.
The Eagles are reportedly considering Rennes talent Jeremy Jacquet, should Guehi join Liverpool, although that move remains very much in the balance.
Liverpool takes on Newcastle in its next Premier League contest. Meanwhile, Palace hosts Nottingham Forest in its next league game on Sunday, Aug. 24.
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