Crystal Palace anticipates that Marc Guehi will remain with the team despite interest in him from Liverpool and Manchester United. The club is hopeful he will continue to play a key role in their plans.
Crystal Palace insiders reportedly believe that if Marc Guehi leaves in January, Liverpool are the most likely destination, despite interest from several major clubs.
The England defender was close to joining the Reds late in the summer window, according to BBC Sport, but the move ultimately fell through. With his contract expiring at the end of the season, his future remains one of the key situations to monitor ahead of the winter market.
Guehi’s consistent performances have made him an attractive option for top sides as a potential free signing next summer, with the Daily Mail listing Manchester United among those keeping an eye on him. However, Sky Sports claim Palace expect that if he moves mid-season, it’ll be to Liverpool, as rival clubs are likely to hold off and wait to pick him up for nothing.
Guehi-to-Liverpool seen as the most realistic January outcome
Although his summer switch collapsed, negotiations had progressed significantly, so it wouldn’t be a shock if Guehi still favours a move to Arne Slot’s team.
The 25-year-old could be a vital reinforcement for Liverpool, especially with Ibrahima Konate’s contract standoff creating uncertainty over his future. Should Konate signal that he won’t renew, securing Guehi as soon as possible becomes even more logical for the Reds.
Manchester United, meanwhile, would also gain from signing a high-level centre-back, particularly as a long-term successor to the ageing Harry Maguire.
Liverpool may already regret missing out
Liverpool’s defensive record this season has been poor, with Slot’s side conceding 17 league goals in their first 11 matches—more than Everton, Palace, Brighton, Newcastle, and Fulham, all of whom sit below them in the table. Based on goals conceded, Liverpool are far behind fellow title contenders Arsenal and Manchester City.
With Virgil van Dijk beginning to show signs of decline, there’s a clear opening for a high-quality centre-back such as Guehi to strengthen the back line. Had Liverpool managed to secure him in the summer, they might not already be drifting out of the title race before December.
