The dramatic last-minute collapse of Marc Guehi’s transfer to Liverpool was a story of brinkmanship — a high-stakes poker game with no clear winner.
Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner might argue otherwise, the Austrian coach emerged with the outcome he wanted all along: keeping his captain for another season, even at the cost of losing a potential £35m windfall.
Guehi, out of contract next summer, is now likely to leave for nothing.
Palace’s Perspective
Guehi’s summer was disrupted by a minor hamstring issue, but his focus remained on pre-season preparations while negotiations played out behind the scenes.
Glasner’s message was unwavering: he wanted Guehi to stay and lead Palace into the new campaign.
The manager’s position was not just about footballing strength, his own contract expires next summer, and he wanted to share the uncertainty with his skipper.
Palace, meanwhile, attempted to tie Guehi down with a new deal — but the England international declined.
Tottenham explored the possibility of signing him under new boss Thomas Frank, but Guehi’s intentions were clear: it was Liverpool or nothing.
Liverpool’s Stance
Liverpool’s summer window was outstanding, capped by the club-record signing of Alexander Isak from Newcastle, alongside high-profile arrivals Florian Wirtz, Hugo Ekitike, Jeremie Frimpong, Milos Kerkez, and Giovanni Leoni.
But the deal for Guehi, intended as the final piece of the puzzle, fell apart on deadline day.
The Reds held firm at £35m, while Palace valued Guehi closer to £50m. With no replacements secured, Palace pulled the plug — informing Guehi during his medical that the move was off.
What Next?
Despite the collapse, Liverpool’s interest is far from over, according to multiple reports, the Premier League champions will reignite their pursuit in January, when Guehi’s price is expected to drop to around £25m.
The alternative is waiting until next summer, when Guehi would be available on a free transfer — but that risks rival clubs entering the race. A free-agent move would also see Guehi command a significantly higher wage package.
For now, Palace keep their captain while Liverpool miss out on defensive reinforcements and Guehi — calm throughout the saga — may yet end up at Anfield, just six months later than planned.