Report: Liverpool's £35M deal for Guehi in jeopardy after late twist
Liverpool's deadline-day move for Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi is in jeopardy of collapsing, David Ornstein of The Athletic reports.
The clubs reportedly agreed to a £35-million deal earlier Monday, and the English center-back was ready to sign a five-year contract after completing a medical in London. But Crystal Palace are now reconsidering after their proposed move for Igor Julio, the Brighton & Hove Albion defender who was tabbed as Guehi's replacement, fell apart with hours remaining in the transfer window, according to Ornstein.
It's unclear if Palace will still sanction Guehi's transfer to the reigning Premier League champions.
Liverpool, who are reportedly set to add Alexander Isak on deadline day for a record-breaking fee, identified Guehi as their ideal defensive addition earlier this summer and tried to leverage the fact that the 25-year-old is in the final year of his Palace contract.
Guehi played the entirety of Palace's 3-0 win against Aston Villa over the weekend, scoring what could be his final goal for the club.
"He's so professional and it was clear he would play today," Palace manager Oliver Glasner said after the game, according to Ornstein. "I can say it with clarity, and I said it to the chairman that it's nothing to do with Oliver Glasner, but we need to keep Marc. ...
"It's not a wish or gift for Oliver Glasner, it's necessary for playing a successful season. We had a great start and I think our fans deserve to have the best players available. I know if we don't sell Marc, he will accept it. He loves the club and team, he feels the appreciation, and we feel the same from his side. That's why I have to say we need to keep him."
Guehi, who arrived at Selhurst Park from Chelsea in 2021, has made 155 senior appearances for the Eagles. He captained the club to its first major trophy when Palace lifted the FA Cup last season.
Should Guehi's move to Liverpool go ahead, he could immediately slot into Liverpool's backline alongside Virgil van Dijk after Ibrahima Konate, the team's other starting center-back, appeared to suffer an injury during the Reds' victory over Arsenal this past weekend.