Liverpool are said to be closing in on a deal for Crystal Palace centre-back Marc Guehi, but other reports suggest there are still several more hurdles to overcome
Adam Cailler Senior reporter and Reddit team lead and Michael Plant
06:18, 30 Jun 2025Updated 06:19, 30 Jun 2025
KIRKBY, ENGLAND - APRIL 23: (THE SUN OUT, THE SUN ON SUNDAY OUT) Arne Slot head coach of Liverpool during a training session at AXA Training Centre on April 23, 2025 in Kirkby, England. (Photo by Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Slot has transformed Liverpool's squad(Image: Andrew Powell, Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Liverpool's chase for Marc Guehi seems to have intensified recently, with numerous reports suggesting that the Crystal Palace player is nearing a transfer to Anfield.
The 24 year old could be brought in as a long-term successor to academy product Jarrel Quansah, who is anticipated to sign with Bayer Leverkusen. Acquiring Guehi, an England international, would be viewed as a significant upgrade at centre-back, especially considering Quansah has been playing for the Under-21 team this summer.
However, there are differing accounts regarding the progress of negotiations at this point. BBC Sport reports that several obstacles still need to be overcome before a deal can be finalised.
Marc Guehi has been linked with a move to Liverpool in the summer
Marc Guehi has been linked with a move to Liverpool in the summer(Image: Getty Images)
The price tag is the main sticking point, with Palace reportedly valuing the player between £40-£45million ($55M-$62M). It remains uncertain whether the Reds would be prepared to shell out such an amount for a player whose contract expires in 12 months.
BBC Sport also notes that "the first point of formal contact between clubs will likely be crucial" and if Liverpool doesn't start negotiations with a perceived "'low-balling" offer, then discussions could proceed smoothly, reports Liverpool.com.
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Furthermore, Guehi would need assurance about his role in the team, particularly with the World Cup looming at the end of next season. He has no plans to extend his contract with Palace, which might compel the club to sell him this summer.
Transfer expert Ben Jacobs has echoed similar sentiments, suggesting that the price would need to be "well south" of the $62M mark before Liverpool would entertain an offer. The club is said to have other targets in its sights, primarily Jorell Hato at Ajax, who is also on Chelsea and Arsenal's radar.
Jacobs further reports via X that sporting director Richard Hughes would ideally like a replacement for Quansah within the 18-22 age bracket, but the temptation to move for Guehi could prove "too strong not to proceed with".
Palace is open to offloading Guehi, however, the player hasn't dismissed the idea of seeing out his contract at Selhurst Park.
This seems to contradict a recent Mirror report stating that Liverpool is "closing in" on the transfer, while Nico Schira asserts that positive negotiations have taken place between the Reds and Guehi's agent.
Dave OCKOP, a trusted source for Liverpool news, adds that "positive discussions have intensified" over the past week, with a "growing confidence that a fee will be agreed" between the club.
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The report mentions that Arsenal and Newcastle United are still keen on the ex-Chelsea player, and personal terms are unlikely to pose a problem between Guehi and Liverpool.
Regardless of the situation, anticipate more updates in the coming days.
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