Major lift for Arne Slot as European heavyweights dial down their pursuit of Liverpool’s top transfer target
Liverpool’s long-standing interest in Crystal Palace skipper Marc Guéhi has been handed a timely lift, with reports from Mundo Deportivo claiming Barcelona have scaled back their pursuit of the England defender.
The Catalan club are reportedly unwilling to be dragged into a costly bidding battle, largely because of the financial strain such a deal would place on them. That hesitation has created an opening for Premier League and European suitors to intensify their efforts.
Guéhi has emerged as one of the Premier League’s most reliable centre-backs in recent seasons, drawing widespread attention across Europe. At 25, the Palace captain has been central to the club’s recent stability, but with his contract situation still unresolved, speculation surrounding his future continues to grow.
A highly sought-after Liverpool target
The Palace defender has even been labelled the ‘most wanted’ potential free agent of all time. He is widely expected to depart Selhurst Park next year — a January move would command a fee, while a summer transfer could see him leave for nothing once his contract expires.
Barcelona’s cooling interest is understood to be driven by ongoing financial limitations. Despite admiring Guéhi’s qualities, the club are reluctant to allocate significant funds to a deal that could quickly become expensive, especially with Palace under no pressure to sell at a reduced price.
Instead, Barça are now thought to be turning their attention to other defensive options, including Alessandro Bastoni and Joško Gvardiol, who better align with their long-term planning and alternative deal structures.
Liverpool in pole position
This shift works strongly in Liverpool’s favour. The Reds have monitored Guéhi for some time as part of their defensive rebuild plans, and his arrival is now viewed as increasingly important.
With Virgil van Dijk struggling for consistency this season and Ibrahima Konaté’s long-term future at Anfield uncertain, Guéhi has become a priority target. Barcelona stepping away from the race further strengthens Liverpool’s position.
That said, competition remains. Bayern Munich and Real Madrid are both keeping close tabs on the defender, aware that a player of his age and quality rarely becomes available.
Even so, Liverpool are currently regarded as the frontrunners, and while interest from Europe’s elite persists, Arne Slot’s side are leading the chase for the England international.
