Guehi Transfer Saga Highlights Liverpool’s Defensive Priorities
Liverpool’s pursuit of Marc Guehi was expected to be one of the defining stories of deadline day, yet the deal unravelled in familiar fashion. According to BBC Sport, a £35m agreement was in place between Liverpool and Crystal Palace, with the defender set for a medical in London. The collapse came when Palace failed to land a replacement, despite an ambitious attempt to sign Brighton’s Igor Julio.
The situation underscored how precarious last-minute deals can be. A deal sheet was submitted to extend talks beyond Monday’s 7pm deadline, but Palace ultimately refused to sanction the move. Oliver Glasner’s side have been resolute in their desire to avoid losing Guehi on a free transfer, especially as the England international has just one year left on his contract.
Palace’s Stance and Transfer Strategy
Crystal Palace’s actions signalled a refusal to weaken their defensive options without a ready-made replacement. While Jaydee Canvot arrived from Toulouse, Glasner’s insistence on Premier League experience meant the deal for Guehi was halted. The club had also been exploring a potential move for AC Milan’s Strahinja Pavlovic, reflecting their ambitions.
Guehi’s Composure Amid Speculation
Guehi himself has remained composed, leading Palace to a statement win over Aston Villa last Sunday, where he netted a stunning goal. “All I know is when you score goals like that it is always down to team performance,” he said. “People will try to single out the goal but that was a clear team performance tonight.”
European Interest Builds
BBC Sport added that “a number of the continent’s elite clubs have already registered an interest in taking Guehi next summer,” with Bayern Munich reportedly monitoring his situation closely. The coming months could see a bidding war for one of England’s most reliable defenders.
Our View – Anfield Index Analysis
For Liverpool fans, this collapse feels like another missed opportunity. A £35m deal was on the table, a medical had been arranged, and yet the club failed to land a defender who could have immediately elevated the back line. The need for depth has been glaring, especially with injuries disrupting defensive stability over recent seasons. Watching Guehi dominate against Aston Villa only adds salt to the wound.
Liverpool’s inability to secure key deals in moments like this raises uncomfortable questions about planning. Palace’s reluctance was understandable, but should Liverpool have acted earlier? Fans expected decisive action, especially with Champions League football demanding a deep and resilient squad. Instead, the club’s pursuit fizzled into frustration.
The thought of Bayern Munich circling adds anxiety, as top European clubs rarely hesitate. If Liverpool lose out next summer, this moment may be remembered as a failure of ambition. For now, supporters are left hoping January will not be another window of hesitation.
