Fuming Marc Guehi set to issue statement after Liverpool move falls through
Just a day ago, it seemed almost certain that Marc Guehi would be unveiled as a Liverpool player.
Liverpool had struck a £35m agreement with Crystal Palace on Monday for their captain, and the defender even completed a medical in London. However, the deal sensationally collapsed about an hour after the transfer deadline passed at 7pm.
Palace chairman Steve Parish had initially approved the sale, but reversed his decision when manager Oliver Glasner – adamant he couldn’t afford to lose Guehi without a replacement – threatened to resign if the 25-year-old was allowed to leave Selhurst Park.
Guehi furious after transfer breakdown
According to The Guardian’s Ed Aarons (via X), Guehi is “extremely unhappy” at being denied a late move to Liverpool. The journalist explained in his article that the defender was left so incensed by the collapse that he has even questioned whether to continue as Palace captain, though there’s “no suggestion” he’ll refuse to play for the club.
The England centre-back is expected to release a statement soon. He believes he acted professionally by training and playing for Palace throughout the transfer saga, and some teammates are reportedly upset he wasn’t given the chance to join Liverpool.
Why Guehi is right to feel gutted
Without diminishing Palace’s standing – a club with a proud history, FA Cup glory, and a strong claim to European football – it’s easy to see why Guehi feels robbed of this opportunity.
A move to the Premier League champions, with the prospect of competing in (and possibly winning) the Champions League, is a rare career chance that might only come once. The blame doesn’t lie with the player; Parish had signed off on the deal despite Glasner’s objections. Still, one wonders if things would’ve turned out differently had Liverpool made their move earlier rather than leaving it until the final three days of the window.
Fortunately, the summer signing of Giovanni Leoni ensures Arne Slot has four centre-backs, while Ibrahima Konate looked back to form against Arsenal on Sunday.
As Lewis Steele suggested, Liverpool may return for Guehi in January, so hope remains despite the setback. Let’s just hope fate doesn’t script an ironic twist with him scoring a decisive goal when the Reds travel to Selhurst Park later this month.
