“Awkward moment for Sky reporter as Marc Guehi transfer truth comes out, set to frustrate Liverpool fans.”
A highly respected transfer journalist has suggested that Marc Guehi would already be at Liverpool had the club shown genuine determination to sign him.
The Reds came close to landing the Crystal Palace skipper for £35m near the end of last summer’s transfer window, only for the south London side to pull the plug on the deal in the closing hours of deadline day.
Now, four and a half months on, the England international is set to join Manchester City after Palace accepted a £20m bid from Pep Guardiola’s side. The move has left Liverpool supporters exasperated at how the club allowed the 25-year-old to slip through their fingers.
Palace baffled by Liverpool’s casual approach
Speaking on Sky Sports News on Friday night, reporter Kaveh Solhekol was asked whether Liverpool would see missing out on Guehi as a major regret. His response is unlikely to ease frustrations among Reds fans.
Solhekol explained that he does not believe Liverpool view it that way, adding that Palace’s understanding was that if Liverpool had truly prioritised the deal, it would have been completed. He claimed the Eagles felt Liverpool were surprisingly relaxed about the situation, having focused heavily on attacking reinforcements before making a late, ultimatum-style offer for Guehi.
According to Solhekol, Palace officials were even forced to seek clarity by approaching Liverpool representatives at the Community Shield, asking when — or if — a formal bid would arrive so they could plan accordingly.
Liverpool’s hesitation difficult to justify
If Palace really had to prompt Liverpool into action weeks before a bid was finally submitted, it reflects poorly on the decision-makers at Anfield. Supporters are justified in questioning why the club waited until deadline day to move, especially when an earlier £35m offer may well have been accepted, allowing Palace time to secure a replacement.
Solhekol’s suggestion that Liverpool would have signed Guehi had they “really, really wanted him” is hard to dispute and exposes an uncomfortable reality that may leave sporting director Richard Hughes with lingering regrets.
Further reports from the Liverpool Echo claiming the club opted against revisiting the deal in January because it was not viewed as a market opportunity will only intensify supporter anger, particularly given ongoing concerns about centre-back depth and defensive fragility this season.
While Liverpool hesitated, Manchester City acted swiftly in response to their own defensive injury issues and successfully secured their target. The episode does little to enhance the reputation of those overseeing transfers at Anfield, but with two weeks remaining in the window, there is still time to limit the fallout by bringing in an alternative defensive option.
