Marc Guehi’s proposed £35 million move to Liverpool broke down at the very end of deadline day, with claims his Crystal Palace manager threatened to walk.
Guehi had undergone a medical at Liverpool’s offices in London and was poised to travel up to Merseyside with club officials on Monday evening.
But after agreeing a £35 million deal for their captain earlier in the day, Crystal Palace dramatically pulled out having failed to land a replacement.
According to talkSPORT‘s Alex Crook, Palace manager Oliver Glasner threatened to resign if Guehi was sold during heated talks with chairman Steve Parish.
Crook cited sources close to Guehi himself, while Glasner had made it clear earlier in the week that he felt Palace could not allow the 25-year-old to move so late in the window.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Sunday, April 14, 2024: Crystal Palace's manager Oliver Glasner during the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Crystal Palace FC at Anfield. Crystal Palace won 1-0. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
“From my side, it’s now Friday and the window closes on Monday, he has to [stay],” he told reporters in his press conference ahead of Sunday’s 3-0 win at Aston Villa.
“He has to because it’s not possible, I think, at the moment to find a Marc Guehi replacement who can play straight in the Premier League, being a starter for Crystal Palace, being consistent.
“When we see our foundation of the success we’ve had in the last few months, it’s our defence. Marc is a crucial part, he’s the captain, English international and has the most experience.
“Getting the right replacement in now, I think, is almost impossible.”
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Friday, August 15, 2025: Liverpool's Joe Gomez during the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and AFC Bournemouth at Anfield. Liverpool won 4-2. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Palace had pursued a number of targets to possibly replace Guehi but they were either unable to agree a deal or, in the case of Brazilian defender Igor Julio, were turned down.
Igor instead opted to join West Ham on a season-long loan from Brighton, with Palace also failing in moves for Manuel Akanji, Mohammed Salisu and Liverpool’s own Joe Gomez.
Liverpool were unwilling to sanction a loan for Gomez, who also attracted interest from AC Milan but stayed at Anfield beyond the deadline.
Earlier in the window, Palace were also credited with an interest in Sporting CP’s Ousmane Diomande but were hamstrung by the uncertainty over whether they would be permitted entry to the Europa League.
As it transpired, UEFA determined that, due to their rules over multi-club ownership, Palace would instead be required to enter the Conference League – which is clearly less attractive to prospective signings.
If true, Glasner’s threat to walk out of Palace shows the fractures developing around the club after a disastrous transfer window.
Liverpool are expected to return for Guehi having already agreed personal terms with the England international – and a move could come either in January or next summer, by which point he will be available on a free transfer.