Liverpool were one final approval away from securing Marc Guehi’s signature last summer, but now face a battle with European clubs when he becomes a free agent at season’s end.
With currently only two fit senior centre-backs, Liverpool’s need to bolster their options is no secret, but there has been zero guarantee that it will come in the January window.
The Athletic reported after Christmas that the club are “planning for a quiet month,” and while they have the “freedom to react,” Liverpool are not expected to be big movers.
It put any return for Guehi’s signature under question, as while interest remains in getting him to Anfield, Crystal Palace sanctioning a sale is not expected.
And BBC‘s Sami Mokbel, who covered the centre-back’s future extensively since the summer, has since reported that he is expected to see out the final six months of his contract.
LONDON, ENGLAND - Sunday, August 10, 2025: Crystal Palace's manager Oliver Glasner (L) and captain Marc Guéhi line-up before the FA Community Shield match between Crystal Palace FC and Liverpool FC at Wembley Stadium. Palace won 3-1 on penalties after a 2-2 draw. (Photo by Harry Murphy/Propaganda)
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Mokbel states that “interested parties may be tempted into bringing forward their plans” to sign Guehi this winter, but “as things stand,” he will see out the season with Palace.
Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, Barcelona, Atletico Madrid, and Inter Milan have all shown varying degrees of interest, with Man City and Liverpool his Premier League suitors.
Speaking on BBC’s Football Focus, Mokbel emphasised that Guehi has “so many options in the summer,” with Liverpool to be “back in the mix” as the 25-year-old will be leaving Selhurst Park.
Guehi has been an ever-present for Palace so far this season, making 28 appearances and scoring three goals and assisting another four, with only their goalkeeper playing more minutes.
Guehi’s reaction to Liverpool collapse earns admirers
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)
Guehi was in Liverpool club attire and in the middle of finalising his move to Anfield when the call came that his transfer would not be signed off.
He later brushed off the disappointment when asked in the media, and it is this professionalism of getting on with his job that Mokbel says has seen more clubs register their interest.
“He has delivered week in and week out,” Mokbel said. “The way he has reacted to that Liverpool move falling through has seen a number of clubs now come to the fore, and think that’s the kind of character we want.
“He’s done himself a brilliant service this season because he wanted to join Liverpool, but he’s put that behind him, and he’s had a brilliant season so far.”
Liverpool will be watching on with close interest, but you will scarcely find a supporter who is not of the belief that a centre-back signing is needed in January, whether it be Guehi or someone else.