If Liverpool already knew they had more work to do in the transfer market before Sunday’s Community Shield, then the result against Crystal Palace confirmed it.
The Reds were largely competitive throughout the match and a draw after 90 minutes was probably the right scoreline.
However, there were plenty of worrying moments, with the Liverpool defence in particular looking especially creaky.
Virgil van Dijk called for more attacking signings after the match and it is clear that Liverpool have a few calls to make in that department.
But, perhaps even more concerningly, the defence is far too light heading into the first Premier League match of the season on Friday.
Ironically, Liverpool’s top target to bolster the back line played against them on Sunday. And, speaking after the match, Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish offered some encouragement for the Reds in their pursuit of Marc Guehi.
Marc Guehi and Virgil van Dijk talks to referee Chris Kavanagh ahead of the 2025 Community Shield between Liverpool and Crystal Palace at Wembley Stadium
Photo by Michael Regan – The FA/The FA via Getty Images
Steve Parish says Marc Guehi may have to be sold
Guehi played well in the Community Shield. Despite initially struggling to get hold of Hugo Ekitike, the 25-year-old grew into the game.
Liverpool fans ironically applauded Guehi as he went off, perhaps believing that he will be wearing a red shirt come September the 1st. And in quotes via The Athletic at full-time, Parish opened the door to that eventuality.
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“We’d have to (sell if a good offer came in),” Parish said when asked how Palace would react if a good offer came in for Guehi.
“For players of that calibre to leave on a free, it’s a problem. We had one bid (last summer) but Joachim (Andersen) went and we couldn’t afford to lose both defenders.”
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“We had another bid in January but that was a difficult situation as well. The player had a point of view on that one. We’ll have to see what happens but it needs a new contract or a conclusion of some kind.”
“As far as people being here or not being here, if it’s the right decision for the club and for them — nobody can make anyone go — then there will be some changes,” added the executive. “But we have to make smart ones.”
Liverpool schedule Guehi transfer talks
Although there is still time to do the business Liverpool need to, the clock is starting to tick on the transfer window.
Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish asked in MZ yday about interest in Marc Guehi and whether he would sell if the price is right: "Yes. Of course, for players of that calibre to leave on a free, it is a problem.
"It needs a new contract or a conclusion of some kind."
Liverpool…
— Lewis Steele (@LewisSteele_) August 11, 2025
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And according to journalist Lewis Steele, the Reds are planning further talks with Palace over Guehi, but remain determined not to be fleeced for a player with one year left on his contract.
“Liverpool remain keen and set to hold further talks this week,” Steele posted on X after relaying Parish’s quotes.
“They don’t want to overpay for a player out of contract soon, though.”
Having seen him do well against an exciting Liverpool attack, supporters’ desire to bring Guehi in will not have dampened after Sunday’s result. This could still go either way, seemingly, but Liverpool are pushing.