Liverpool failed with a deadline day move for one target after the move was blocked, and rivals Manchester United have been advised to swoop in before Arne Slot's side can return
Arne Slot, Manager of Liverpool, reacts during the Premier League match between Liverpool and Arsenal
Manchester United have been encouraged to complete a move for Marc Guehi before Liverpool can return for his signature
(Image: Carl Recine/Getty Images)
Former Manchester United hitman Louis Saha believes his old club have a chance at signing Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi, following the collapse of his Liverpool transfer. Guehi was on the brink of becoming Liverpool's final summer signing until Palace halted the deal at the 11th hour.
Saha suggested all projections about Guehi's future are now up in the air and that the Red Devils might outmanoeuvre their bitter rivals to intercept any forthcoming deal with Liverpool. The ex-Fulham and Newcastle forward also believes Guehi would leap at the opportunity to join United.
Guehi had already settled personal terms with Liverpool and undergone a medical as his £35million transfer seemed certain. However, it is understood Palace manager Oliver Glasner threatened to resign if his captain departed, leaving Palace owner Steve Parish with no option but to veto the deal.
The 25-year-old is now in the final year of his contract with Palace, which means the club will need to sell him in January or risk losing him for nothing next summer. It is reported the player is not interested in renewing his contract.
In the meantime, United manager Ruben Amorim is committed to making his preferred 3-4-3 formation work at Old Trafford after a disappointing start to the new season. Saha believes Guehi, who has experience playing in a back three for Palace, could be a crucial addition for Amorim as he seeks to turn around United's flagging fortunes.
"Marc Guehi is very strong, very solid, very reliable, quick and a good leader," he told Flashscore (via The Mirror). "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.
Marc Guehi of Crystal Palace acknowledges the fans following the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Nottingham Forest at Selhurst Park
Guehi could move for a massively reduced fee in January if Palace open up to a sale
"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 his switch to the Premier League champions failed to come to fruition. There is now speculation Palace will look to offload Guehi in January as they seek some return for their prized asset after losing out on the £35m Liverpool were prepared to offer.
Liverpool had been anticipated to launch a fresh approach at the beginning of 2026, but reports now suggest they will exercise patience. That's because the Reds are understood to be confident Guehi is committed to securing a switch to Anfield.
The Merseyside outfit are preparing for life without centre-half Ibrahima Konate, whose deal expires next summer. Meanwhile, experienced defender Joe Gomez is anticipated to depart after nearly leaving the club this year.
Louis Saha gestures with his arms
Louis Saha is a big fan of the England defender's work
Nevertheless, Guehi will also be eligible to enter discussions with foreign clubs from January regarding a pre-contract arrangement. Despite the shock of his transfer falling through, Guehi appears to have swiftly moved past the disappointment and returned to England's starting XI as the Three Lions thrashed Serbia 5-0 on Tuesday.
He netted the fourth goal in Belgrade as Thomas Tuchel's team moved closer to securing their place in next summer's World Cup. When questioned by ITV about how the previous eight days had unfolded since his move collapsed, Guehi appeared remarkably upbeat.
"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."