Image Credits: Imago Images
With the January transfer window less than five weeks away, one of the most intriguing sagas will be Marc Guehi’s future at Crystal Palace.
The 25-year-old England centre-back is out of contract on June 30, 2026, and has already informed Palace he will not sign an extension.
Under FIFA regulations, Guehi can negotiate and sign a pre-contract with foreign clubs from January 1 – a rule that has placed European giants like Real Madrid, Barcelona, Bayern Munich in pole position for a free transfer next summer.
Liverpool remain deeply interested in the England international.
Crystal Palace believe the Reds are the only club willing to pay a fee in January rather than wait for the free transfer, though David Ornstein of The Athletic warns there is “no guarantee” Palace will accept any winter offer.
If Guehi refrains from engaging with foreign clubs in January, it could signal his preference to wait for Liverpool.
While incomings remain uncertain, Liverpool are bracing for potential departures, with Federico Chiesa emerging as a likely candidate.
The 28-year-old Italian winger has endured a frustrating debut season at Anfield, managing just 139 minutes across nine Premier League appearances this term – all as a substitute – with two goals and one assist.
Including the League Cup (180 minutes across two starts) and Champions League (60 minutes), Chiesa has accumulated only 379 total minutes across 14 appearances in all competitions.
Now a report from La Lazio Siamo Noi, in discussing a potential Lazio move for out-of-favour West Ham striker Niclas Fullkrug, have also claimed that the London club are looking at Chiesa as a potential January addition.
The Hammers are desperate to bolster their attacking options and view the Italian international as an affordable option, though complications remain around his £150,000-per-week wages.
Chiesa’s limited minutes are particularly concerning with the 2026 World Cup on the horizon this summer.
The former Juventus star has declined Italy call-ups in September, October, and November to focus on his fitness and integration at Liverpool, but national team coach Gennaro Gattuso has made it clear it’s on the Liverpool man.
Want to get the latest Liverpool news direct to your phone? Join our WhatsApp community by clicking here.