Marc Guehi wants to join Liverpool despite growing interest from Barcelona, with TEAMtalk reporting that the Crystal Palace captain is still hopeful of completing a dream move to Anfield.
TEAMtalk sources close to the 25-year-old have confirmed that, despite Liverpool’s worst run of form in a decade, Guehi remains “very keen” on joining the club. The England international, who has earned 26 caps and established himself as one of the Premier League’s most reliable central defenders, reportedly views the switch as a reward rather than a risk.
The development comes as Barcelona step up their efforts to secure Guehi on a pre-contract agreement. With his current deal expiring next summer, the Catalan giants are legally able to negotiate freely with his representatives ahead of a potential free transfer in 2026.
Barcelona pushing hard as contract nears expiry
Head Coach Hansi Flick (FC Barcelona) watches FC Barcelona vs Deportivo Alaves.
Head Coach Hansi Flick (FC Barcelona) looks on during the La Liga EA Sports match between FC Barcelona and Deportivo Alaves at Spotify Camp Nou. Final Score: FC Barcelonan 3 -1 Deportivo Alaves. (Photo by Felipe Mondino / SOPA Images/Sipa USA)
TEAMtalk report that Barcelona have contacted Guehi’s camp twice in the last two weeks as they attempt to convince him to choose LaLiga. Sporting director Deco is said to identify Guehi as an ideal defensive partner for Pau Cubarsí, with the club willing to offer a significant salary package and a guaranteed starting role under Hansi Flick next season.
The lure of Champions League knockout football and the lifestyle benefits of a move to Spain are factors Barcelona believe could work in their favour.
However, those familiar with Guehi’s thinking suggest that Barcelona’s efforts may not be enough to shift his long-standing ambition of playing for Liverpool.
According to one source speaking to TEAMtalk, Liverpool’s appeal remains decisive in the defender’s thinking.
“Liverpool will always have the pull for Marc, it’s hard for teams to battle,” the source said. “He’s waited his whole career for the chance to play at the highest possible level.”
This stance has reportedly given Liverpool renewed confidence that a January transfer is possible, rather than risking the defender choosing a free transfer route in the summer.
Palace ready to cash in as talks resume
Oliver GlasnerREUTERS/Toby Melville
Crystal Palace are aware that Guehi - described as a 'superstar' by Steve Parish - has turned down two contract extensions, and TEAMtalk report that the club would prefer to cash in now rather than lose him for nothing. A fee in the region of £30–35 million is believed to be acceptable to Palace, especially if Liverpool are prepared to include add-ons and a sell-on clause.
Talks between Liverpool and Palace are set to resume, with the Eagles open to negotiating terms that benefit both sides.
Competition clears for Liverpool
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TEAMtalk state that Real Madrid have now shifted focus elsewhere, while Bayern Munich are only exploring a potential free transfer rather than a January bid. That leaves Liverpool with a clearer path than they had in August, when a £35 million deadline-day move collapsed.
If Liverpool can quickly agree personal terms - something expected to be straightforward given Guehi’s affection for the club - a January deal becomes increasingly realistic.
For a defence struggling with injuries, inconsistency and a lack of leadership, securing Guehi mid-season could prove to be the injection of stability and quality Arne Slot urgently needs, with further reports suggesting they have agreed personal terms with Bournemouth star Antoine Semenyo.
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