Liverpool “shocked” as Barcelona swoop in unexpectedly to snatch a major January transfer target.

Barcelona can begin negotiating a pre-contract with him from January 1.

Liverpool’s failure to land one of their priority summer targets may come back to haunt them, as reports claim Barcelona are launching a major charm offensive to secure the player.

Despite spending a record £446 million in the summer — bringing in Florian Wirtz, Hugo Ekitike, Giovanni Leoni, Jeremie Frimpong, Milos Kerke and Alexander Isak — the Reds missed out on long-term defensive target Marc Guehi.

Liverpool were close to sealing a £35 million deal with Crystal Palace, plus a 10% sell-on clause. However, Oliver Glasner is said to have threatened to quit if Guehi was sold, prompting Palace to walk away from negotiations. At the time, reports also suggested Palace couldn’t find a replacement, with Igor Julio choosing West Ham instead.

Now, three months later, Barcelona have moved into pole position.
According to Team Talk, Barça have made two formal approaches to Guehi’s camp in the last two weeks, seeing him as a smart, cost-effective signing. A January bid isn’t ruled out, though their financial issues mean any offer would be capped at around £17 million.

Barcelona sporting director Deco even mentioned Guehi in a recent radio interview, calling him a “good player” while explaining the club’s recruitment strategy. Their pitch reportedly includes Champions League football and a key role alongside young star Paul Cubarsí.

Palace chairman Steve Parish explains Liverpool rejection
Speaking earlier in the season, Parish said it was a complicated call to keep Guehi:

“It’s never black and white. I decided that, based on the advice I received, we’d have a better season if we kept Marc.
If you think rationally — the value of staying in the Premier League, plus being in the Conference League for the first time — it made sense.
If the difference was finishing 10th or 14th, we might’ve taken the money.”

With Barça now circling and free to negotiate soon, Liverpool’s missed opportunity could prove costly.