Crystal Palace captain and England defender Marc Guehi was close to joining Premier League champions Liverpool on transfer deadline day until a last-minute hitch saw the deal collapse
Marc Guehi of Crystal Palace acknowledges the fans following the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Nottingham Forest at Selhurst Park
Marc Guehi was hoping to move to Liverpool on transfer deadline day
(Image: Eddie Keogh/Getty Images)
Former Manchester United striker Louis Saha has suggested that his old club could make a move for Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi, following the collapse of his transfer to Liverpool.
The deal for Guehi to join the Reds fell through at the last minute on transfer deadline day, despite him being poised to become their 11th signing of the summer.
Saha believes that the Red Devils could capitalise on this situation and outmanoeuvre their arch-rivals by securing a deal with the England centre-back. Manchester City have also been linked. The ex-Fulham forward believes that Guehi would be eager to join United, with the club showing an interest in the past.
Guehi had already agreed personal terms with Liverpool and completed a medical, with his £35million transfer seemingly a done deal. However, it's understood that Palace manager Oliver Glasner threatened to resign if his captain was allowed to leave, forcing Palace owner Steve Parish to halt the transfer.
With Guehi in the final year of his contract at Palace, the club will either have to sell him in January or lose him for free in the summer. It's reported that the player is not interested in renewing his contract.
Meanwhile, United manager Ruben Amorim is keen to make his preferred 3-4-3 formation work at Old Trafford, following a disappointing start to the new season. Saha believes that Guehi, who has experience playing in a back three for Palace, could be a crucial addition for Amorim as he attempts to turn around United's fortunes.
Louis Saha gestures with his arms
Louis Saha believes United could land Marc Guehi
"Marc Guehi is very strong, very solid, very reliable, quick and a good leader. There is a lot of quality in that boy. I do think that he is the type of player who can really help Manchester United's season," the Frenchman said to Flashscore.
"It's definitely an opportunity to hijack this and stop Liverpool getting stronger. It would be a smart move. I don't think he would turn down United if the bid goes in correctly. There will be only six months left on this contract; there is definitely an opportunity there."
Guehi was understood to be frustrated that his switch to the Premier League champions failed to come to fruition. There is now speculation that Palace will look to offload Guehi in January as they seek to secure some revenue for their star player after losing out on the £35m Liverpool would have provided them.
Liverpool had been anticipated to come back with a fresh offer at the beginning of 2026, but it is now suggested they will wait patiently as the Reds are convinced Guehi is committed to making the switch to Merseyside.
Marc Guehi points to the sky in celebration
Marc Guehi looks to have put the transfer drama behind him
The Anfield outfit are preparing for life without centre-half Ibrahima Konate, who sees his deal expire next summer, whilst experienced defender Joe Gomez is anticipated to depart, having nearly left the club this year.
Nevertheless, Guehi is also permitted to enter discussions with foreign clubs from the beginning of next year regarding a pre-contract arrangement. Despite the surprise of his transfer falling through, Guehi appears to have swiftly moved on from the drama and was back in England's line-up as the Three Lions thrashed Serbia 5-0 on Tuesday.
He netted the fourth goal in Belgrade, helping Thomas Tuchel's team take a significant step towards next summer's World Cup. When ITV asked how he had coped with the past eight days since his transfer fell apart, Guehi seemed surprisingly positive.
"It's been great," he said. "It's always easy coming here, such a good group of players, good group of staff. We are all working towards one goal."