Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi saw his move to Liverpool collapse on transfer deadline day and now Manchester United have been tipped to swoop in and sign the England centre-back
12:34, 12 Sep 2025
Former footballer and BBC pundit Louis Saha giving analysis ahead of the Emirates FA Cup Semi Final match between Brighton & Hove Albion and Manchester United at Wembley Stadium on April 23, 2023 in London, England.
Louis Saha believes Marc Guehi could choose Old Trafford over Liverpool(Image: Marc Atkins/Getty Images)
Ex-Manchester United forward Louis Saha believes his old club might make a move for Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi, following the collapse of his transfer to Liverpool.
On transfer deadline day, Guehi was on the brink of becoming Liverpool's 11th summer signing, but Palace intervened at the eleventh hour to prevent the deal from going through. Saha suggests that Guehi's future is now wide open and that the Red Devils could outmanoeuvre their arch-rivals by swooping in for the England centre-back.
The ex-Fulham striker also believes that Guehi would leap at the opportunity to join United. Guehi had already settled personal terms with Liverpool and passed a medical, making his £35million transfer seemingly a done deal.
However, Palace manager Oliver Glasner threatened to resign if his captain departed, leaving Palace owner Steve Parish with no option but to halt the transfer. With Guehi in the final year of his Palace contract, the club will either have to sell him in January or risk losing him for nothing in the summer.
It's reported that the player has no interest in renewing his contract. Meanwhile, United manager Ruben Amorim is keen to make his preferred 3-4-3 formation work at Old Trafford after a disappointing start to the new season.
Saha believes that Guehi, who has experience playing in a three-man defence for Palace, could be a crucial addition for Amorim as he seeks to turn around United's fortunes.
Marc Guehi of Crystal Palace reacts at the end of the game, showing his surprise at scoring a goal, during the Premier League match between Aston Villa and Crystal Palace at Villa Park on August 31, 2025 in Birmingham, England.
Marc Guehi watched his Liverpool deal fall through at the last minute(Image: Malcolm Couzens/Getty Images)
"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 told 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 reportedly gutted that his switch to the Premier League champions failed to come to fruition. Palace are now expected to try selling Guehi in January as they seek to claw back some cash for their star man after losing out on the £35m Liverpool were prepared to offer.
Liverpool had been anticipated to come back with a fresh offer at the beginning of 2026, but it's now suggested they will play the waiting game as the Reds are convinced Guehi is set on making the switch to Anfield.
Marc Guehi of England celebrates after his team's third goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Serbia and England at Rajko Mitic Stadium on September 9, 2025 in Belgrade, Serbia.
The defender was back in action for England recently, and isn't focusing on a transfer right now(Image: Joe Prior/Visionhaus via Getty Images)
Arne Slot's side are preparing for life without centre-half Ibrahima Konate, whose deal expires next summer. Experienced defender Joe Gomez is also tipped to depart after nearly leaving the club this year.
Following the failed Liverpool transfer, Guehi will be free to hold discussions with foreign clubs from early next year regarding a pre-contract arrangement. Despite the surprise of his transfer falling through, the defender appears to have swiftly moved on from the drama and was back in action for England 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 asked by ITV about how he's been coping since his move fell apart, Guehi seemed surprisingly positive.
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"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."
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