As speculation intensifies around Marc Guehi’s potential move to Liverpool, the England international may already be bracing for an uncomfortable debut if the transfer goes through.
The 23-year-old centre-back, who has just a year remaining on his contract at Crystal Palace, is reportedly a top defensive target for the Reds as they look to bolster their backline ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.
However, should the move be completed in the coming weeks, Guehi could find himself thrown into a testing situation straight away. Guehi’s first appearance in a Liverpool shirt could come in the Community Shield —against Palace at Wembley on Sunday August 10.
The traditional season curtain-raiser will see Premier League champions Liverpool take on FA Cup winners Crystal Palace, who stunned Manchester City with a historic 1-0 win at Wembley in May. Guehi captained the Eagles in that final and played a pivotal role in their first-ever FA Cup triumph, etching his name into club folklore.
A debut against the club he led to glory—and in the same stadium where he lifted the trophy just weeks ago—would present a unique and emotionally charged challenge for Guehi. From leading Palace to facing them in the opposition dugout in front of tens of thousands of fans.
Despite the potential tension, Guehi's leadership and reliability have earned him widespread praise. Since joining Palace from Chelsea in 2021, he has made 155 appearances, scored eight goals, and collected 23 England caps, including a start in the Euro 2024 final.
Marc Guehi
Marc Guehi could make his Liverpool debut against Crystal Palace if he signs for the Reds this summer (Image: Getty Images)
With only one year left on his Selhurst Park contract, Palace may opt to sell the defender rather than risk losing him for free next summer. But if a deal with Liverpool is struck soon, Guehi's first test in red could be his most emotionally complex yet—facing the very club that helped him become the player he is today.
Palace stood firm last summer in their efforts to keep Guehi, turning down several offers from Newcastle United —one reportedly reaching £65 million ($87 million). While Palace initially valued the defender at around £70 million ($94 million), it’s understood they are now open to a sale and have set a more flexible price of approximately £45 million to begin discussions over a potential exit.
However, the club remains determined to secure the “right” deal before parting ways with their star centre-back. Liverpool is keen to move swiftly, aware of strong competition from other clubs still tracking Guehi’s situation. The Reds hope to steal a march on their rivals by acting decisively in the early weeks of the transfer window. Should Liverpool agree to meet Palace’s valuation, the deal would push their total summer spending past the £200 million ($269 million) mark.