1 week ago
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There's no getting around it - Liverpool has to be rueing the fact that they failed to secure Marc Guehi's signature during the summer window.
Admittedly, Crystal Palace's withdrawal from the $47 million transfer at the last minute on deadline day wasn't their doing. However, whilst Arne Slot's attacking options were strengthened not once, not twice, but three times with the substantial acquisitions of Florian Wirtz, Hugo Ekitike and Alexander Isak, his obvious center-half shortage remained unaddressed for far too long.
Even without Giovanni Leoni's ACL setback, the Reds would have been lacking defensive depth for the lengthy campaign ahead. Guehi's excellent early-season form for both club and country has only added salt to the wound, and it appears Liverpool faces a considerable battle to land him after he was virtually theirs.
Palace departure confirmed
Following months of speculation throughout the summer regarding whether he would stay or go, there now seems to be a clear answer regarding Guehi's future contract - and it won't be at Selhurst Park. Palace manager Oliver Glasner made this clear last week.
He said: "I think Marc has already told us that he doesn't sign a new contract, so he will leave next year. The club wanted [him to stay]. They offered Marc a new contract. But he said, 'No, I want to make something different.' And that's normal.
"And for us, it's how we can deal with this situation. [What] is the best way to get this next step done? And that's all about how we are talking together."
January sale planned
The next question is whether Guehi's departure will materialise in January, or at the conclusion of the campaign. Considering the trajectory of both his careers, it's arguably difficult to envisage him seeking the notoriously challenging winter transfer.
Palace currently boasts European competition, whilst he's virtually assured of a spot in England's World Cup squad. Would he wish to jeopardize either opportunity?
Perhaps he'll have little choice as according to The i, Palace will look to capitalize during the upcoming transfer window and sell him to secure some return rather than losing him for nothing. They suggest Liverpool is no longer leading the race for his services.
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Liverpool loses ground
Regardless of a January switch, overseas clubs will hold the advantage over the Reds as they can secure Guehi on a pre-contract deal from New Year's Day. La Liga heavyweights Barcelona and Real Madrid have been linked with interest, whilst Bayern Munich are also mentioned, with their sporting director Max Eberl reportedly holding discussions with his agent recently.
Guehi is understood to be receptive to departing England and Europe's other elite sides will undoubtedly be monitoring his situation closely. Sky Sports also identifies Manchester City as potential contenders in a transfer battle that seems to be approaching double figures.
It appears increasingly probable that Liverpool will have to cough up a fee or risk missing out on their prime target. Considering the extensive interest, the final figure might not be too far off from what they could have secured him for just a few months before.
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