Arne Slot and Oliver Glasner, Liverpool and Crystal Palace FC managers.placeholder image
Arne Slot and Oliver Glasner, Liverpool and Crystal Palace FC managers. | Getty Images
There is still time for some huge transfer deals to take place this summer
As we enter July and near the final stretch before Premier League clubs begin their pre-season campaigns, transfer rumours are beginning to heat up by the day as the need for squad adjustments becomes increasingly urgent.
The Club World Cup has meant that some deals got over the line very quickly while others have dragged on, particularly regarding player exits - deals which could have repercussions on other clubs when they do eventually come to fruition.
Liverpool and Crystal Palace are two clubs with contrasting targets for this summer transfer window. While Premier League champions Liverpool got most of their business done early and now hope to make any final squad changes as they aim to challenge on all fronts, Palace currently have everything up in the air. Not only does their prospective European debut in the Europa League hang in the balance, the Eagles are also fighting to keep hold of several key players after a historic season.
Liverpool and Crystal Palace swap deal could be on the cards
One major swap deal could be a difference-maker for both sides. Crystal Palace appear resigned to the exit of captain Marc Guehi, who has a year left on his contract and may leave for nothing next summer if a transfer does not go through this summer. It is not in the Eagles’ interest to lose a star player without making a single penny from their exit.
The Reds are front-runners for the England centre-back, after the exit of Jarell Quansah and continued stalling in contract negotiations with Ibrahima Konate. Arne Slot’s side reportedly want to pay around £40-£45m for Guehi and are hoping not to go higher than that figure.
Meanwhile, Liverpool hold another ace up their sleeve that could yet be used to seal the deal. Harvey Elliott has been heavily linked with an exit after his U21 Euro heroics with England, and the 22-year-old could fill a huge hole in the Palace side. It is reported that Elliott wants to play in European football so if Palace are admitted into the Europa League, a swap deal involving Guehi and Elliott could do wonders for all parties.
Marc Guehi and Harvey Elliott swap deal could be seismic
What gives this swap deal an even bigger potential impact is the fact that Eberechi Eze is heavily linked with a Selhurst Park exit, north London rivals Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur reportedly doing battle for his signature. Elliott could be a ready-made Eze replacement - maybe not quite as complete a player just yet, but with vast potential to reach’s Eze’s level or even surpass him.
Elliott’s talent has always been known, but the U21 Euros reflected just what he can do if he is given the opportunity to start and be the main man. He could get that chance in south London, and, best of all, he may not need to cost Palace a penny despite his £40m valuation by Liverpool.
With Guehi already set to leave unless the unlikely situation occurs where he signs a new contract, a straight swap for Elliott could give both Palace and Liverpool just what they want, while also getting a want-away player off the books in the process. If the Eagles feel like driving a hard bargain, they could even demand £10m plus Elliott for their captain. Either way, they should not let this opportunity slip out of their grasp.
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