Liverpool defensive target Marc Guehi is reportedly subject to a “big approach” from Man City, who are looking to strike a deal with Crystal Palace this January.
Will Man City beat Liverpool to Marc Guehi? “Big approach” reported
City push: Fabrizio Romano reports that Man City have made a “big approach” for Marc Guehi in the last 12 hours.
Liverpool’s dilemma: City’s interest may now force Liverpool to pay a mid-season premium – quoted at up to £40 million – or risk losing the target entirely.
Slot’s response: Despite a season-ending injury to Conor Bradley, Arne Slot remained coy on January signings when speaking on Friday.
Transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano reports on X that Man City are “advancing” in their pursuit of Palace captain Guehi.
LONDON, ENGLAND - Sunday, August 10, 2025: Crystal Palace's captain Marc Guéhi during the FA Community Shield match between Crystal Palace FC and Liverpool FC at Wembley Stadium. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Romano claims that the Manchester club made a “big approach” within the last 12 hours in the form of a contract offer to the player himself, while they are preparing to push forward in talks with Palace.
The deal to take Guehi to the Etihad is described as “closer,” though it remains to be seen where Liverpool figure in the equation.
Guehi had all but signed for Liverpool on the final day of the summer transfer window after an agreement worth £35 million plus a 10 percent sell-on clause was struck with Palace.
It fell through at the last minute, however, and the Reds were expected to wait until the end of the season to sign the England international on a free transfer.
GELSENKIRCHEN, GERMANY - JUNE 16: Marc Guehi of England controls the ball whilst under pressure from Dusan Vlahovic of Serbia during the UEFA EURO 2024 group stage match between Serbia and England at Arena AufSchalke on June 16, 2024 in Gelsenkirchen, Germany. (Photo by Matt McNulty - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images)
Centre-Back Comparison: Liverpool vs. Marc Guehi
Metric (Per 90) Van Dijk Konate Guehi
Touches 94.5 76.2 68.1
Passing Accuracy 90.8% 89.9% 85.4%
Aerial Duels Won 5.4 4.3 2.8
Defensive Contributions 9.1 8.9 10.5
FotMob Rating 7.24 7.11 7.34
Defensive contributions include tackles, interceptions, clearances and blocks. Premier League only. Data via FotMob (Jan 16, 2026).
But the development of Man City‘s interest – which comes after lengthy injuries for Ruben Dias and Josko Gvardiol – means a deal may no longer be possible for the summer.
Palace’s mid-season asking price has been quoted as high as £40 million, though Sky Sports had previously claimed they would be willing to sell for less than the fee agreed with Liverpool in September.
That would clearly be a significant investment, certainly for the Reds, for a player who is now into the final months of his contract.
Liverpool have injuries of their own, with Giovanni Leoni and Conor Bradley both ruled out for the remainder of the season, and that has sparked calls for an accelerated pursuit of Guehi.
It could be that Man City‘s advances force their hand, or simply prompt the Premier League champions to assess better-value options elsewhere.
Speaking in his pre-Burnley press conference on Friday, Arne Slot insisted that “everyone is aligned” within Liverpool’s recruitment team over whether they would reinforce in January following Bradley’s knee injury.
“I think everyone is aligned about the challenges we are facing,” he said at the AXA Training Centre.
“That’s not to say that we’re going to act, but everyone is aligned on what we are facing.
“There is no one that has a different opinion about it. But that’s not to say that anything is going to happen.”
Should Liverpool hijack Man City‘s move for Marc Guehi?
With Man City advancing quickly, Liverpool face a choice: pay £40m now for a player they almost signed for £35m, or let a primary target join a direct rival. With Conor Bradley and Giovanni Leoni out for the season, can the Reds really afford to stay “aligned” but inactive this January?
Have your say: Should Liverpool challenge City’s bid, or is £40m too high for a player out of contract in six months? Let us know in the comments.