Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi is reportedly a primary transfer target for Man City, which could scupper Liverpool’s plans to sign him next summer.
The Reds were agonisingly close to signing Guehi on deadline day in the summer, even agreeing a £35 million move to Anfield after he completed a medical.
Palace held firm and pulled out of the transfer at the last minute, however, with the England international staying put.
Guehi is still reportedly wanted by Liverpool, but according to the Times, he is also a “leading target” for Premier League rivals City.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Wednesday, October 29, 2025: Crystal Palace's captain Marc Guéhi during the Football League Cup 4th Round match between Liverpool FC and Crystal Palace FC at Anfield. Palace won 3-0. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
They are preparing to “overhaul” their defence next summer and see the 25-year-old as an ideal option to bring in, having monitored him closely over the “past couple of years.”
The report also states that Palace “may have to decide to cut their losses and accept a lower offer” next month, instead of losing him for nothing.
Guehi will be available on a free transfer at the end of this season, and can sign a pre-contract agreement with a foreign club in January.
Bayern Munich sporting director Max Eberl is said to be planning to hold talks with the player himself on January 1.
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A potentially huge blow for Liverpool
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Wednesday, October 29, 2025: Liverpool's Joe Gomez speaks to Crystal Palace's captain Marc Guéhi after the Football League Cup 4th Round match between Liverpool FC and Crystal Palace FC at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Missing out on Guehi felt like a big setback for Liverpool at the time, and that has proven to be the case, with the champions struggling defensively this season.
They have conceded 24 goals in 16 league games, compared to 16 this time last year.
Not only has Ibrahima Konate‘s form dropped off significantly, but Giovanni Leoni‘s season-ending knee injury has left the Reds with a lack of depth at centre-back.
With Joe Gomez now also set for a spell on the sidelines, Liverpool are threadbare in that area, with a January addition surely being considered.
Marc Guehi has been linked with Liverpool (John Walton/PA)
Guehi should still be seen as a priority target, however, so to see him join City would be a blow.
The Palace skipper is one of the Premier League‘s standout defenders and is expected to start for England at the 2026 World Cup, and he would be ideal for Arne Slot.
He is now a seasoned Premier League player, having made 147 appearances in the competition, and he combines quality on the ball with a calm presence and leadership.
Hopefully, Guehi still sees Liverpool as his No. 1 choice, whether that be in the summer or January, but the threat of City is clear.