Liverpool shocked as Barcelona swoop in unexpectedly to snatch a key January signing.

Liverpool’s inability to secure one of their main summer targets may come back to haunt them, with reports now claiming Barcelona are launching a major push to land the player.

The Reds invested a record-breaking £446 million during the window, securing big names like Florian Wirtz, Hugo Ekitike, Giovanni Leoni, Jeremie Frimpong, Milos Kerke and Alexander Isak — the latter arriving in a British-record deal on deadline day.

But their long-running pursuit of Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi fell apart late on. A £35 million offer plus a 10% sell-on clause was close to being agreed before Palace abruptly halted the move, partly due to manager Oliver Glasner’s threat to walk away if the England international was sold. Palace were also unable to find a suitable replacement, with top target Igor Julio joining West Ham instead.

Three months on, the situation has shifted dramatically. Barcelona have now stepped up their interest, reportedly making two formal approaches to Guehi’s camp. The La Liga giants view him as a smart, affordable defensive signing and could even test Palace’s resolve in January — though financial constraints would limit their bid to around £17 million.

Sporting director Deco has spoken publicly about Guehi, calling him a “good player” and highlighting Barça’s strategy of targeting young talent. Their pitch also includes Champions League football and the prospect of forming a central defensive partnership with rising star Pau Cubarsí.

Palace chairman Steve Parish later explained the decision to block Liverpool’s move, saying the club felt keeping Guehi gave them a better chance of success this season, especially with European football on the table.