How the figures discreetly brought Liverpool’s pursuit of Guehi to an end – report
Liverpool’s choice to step away from a renewed move for Marc Guehi now appears far more understandable following fresh financial details linked to his switch elsewhere.
Ben Jacobs and Alex Crook revealed on X that Guehi is set to earn roughly £200,000 per week at Manchester City, a salary that places him among their top ten highest-paid players. That figure alone largely explains why Liverpool were willing to bide their time, pull out, or ultimately let the deal pass them by.
Where Liverpool set their limit on Guehi’s wages
The England defender was close to joining Liverpool last summer, with a £35m fee agreed, a medical completed, and Crystal Palace initially open to selling. While the transfer fee posed no issue, wages at that level would have immediately pushed the former Chelsea centre-back into Liverpool’s highest pay bracket.
That would have seen Guehi arrive on terms similar to Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike, and not too far below Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah. Capology figures highlight how tightly structured Liverpool’s wage system is compared to Manchester City’s.
Liverpool’s highest weekly earners:
• Salah – £400k
• Van Dijk – £350k
• Isak – £280k
• Gakpo – £250k
• Wirtz – £200k
• Ekitike – £200k
City, by comparison, already have ten players earning £200k or more per week, meaning Guehi’s salary fits comfortably into their existing framework rather than distorting it. That contrast helps explain why Liverpool were content to stand firm, even with Guehi entering the final year of his contract.
Why Liverpool already had other options in mind
Disappointment over Guehi’s departure is natural, especially after Fabrizio Romano confirmed the move was complete, but understanding the wage demands puts the situation in a different light. Liverpool’s recruitment team had already decided against reopening talks in January, instead keeping the door open for a free transfer next summer or exploring alternative targets.
This approach also clarifies why Ousmane Diao has been closely tracked, with the Senegalese centre-back viewed as a more financially and structurally viable option. At 21, the FC Midtjylland defender matches the age and wage profile Liverpool have consistently prioritised, rather than immediately joining the club’s top earners.
It aligns with how Liverpool handled interest in Joe Gomez and oversaw the arrival of Giovanni Leoni, even amid uncertainty surrounding Ibrahima Konaté’s contract.
While some supporters may feel Guehi’s wages would have been justified, Liverpool have repeatedly emphasised that squad construction is about maintaining balance as much as acquiring quality. From that perspective, the newly reported figures clarify why this opportunity was allowed to pass — even if many will still question whether patience has once again come at a cost.
