Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner has made it clear that he wants Marc Guehi to remain at the club until after their Europa Conference League play-off tie against Fredrikstad is complete. The centre-back has been strongly linked with Liverpool, but Glasner insists he cannot afford to lose him before the return leg in Norway.
Guehi’s contract is set to expire at the end of this season, and with Liverpool searching for defensive reinforcements, he has emerged as a primary target. The England international is keen on the move, with the opportunity to play Champions League football and compete for major honours proving a major attraction. Talks have already taken place between the two clubs, yet no deal has been finalised.
Liverpool’s Interest in Guehi
Liverpool’s need for a central defender has been well documented throughout the summer. Injuries and inconsistency affected their back line last season, and they are determined to secure long-term stability at the heart of their defence. Guehi, regarded as one of the Premier League’s most reliable defenders outside of the top six, is seen as an ideal candidate.
The Reds have made contact with Palace and with the player’s camp, and while the groundwork for an agreement has been laid, negotiations have yet to reach a conclusion. Despite speculation that a transfer could be completed swiftly, Guehi was still part of the starting line-up in the first leg of Palace’s clash with Fredrikstad, where his defensive qualities were again on display.
Glasner’s Defensive Concerns
Glasner, however, faces a selection crisis in his back line. Several injuries have already left him short of options, and the Palace boss admitted his concerns about the possibility of losing Guehi before such a crucial European tie. He emphasised the importance of the defender’s presence, particularly as squad registration rules limit the club’s ability to make late additions.
Speaking to NRK, Glasner said:
“No injured players are coming back, and we can’t register anyone. So we have to keep him, especially for the second leg. I just know that if Marc leaves and is not available against Fredrikstad, we will have big problems. That’s for sure.”
The situation leaves Palace in a difficult position, needing Guehi’s leadership in defence while also aware that his long-term future may lie elsewhere. Liverpool remains hopeful of striking a deal, but for now, Palace’s European ambitions could depend on keeping hold of their in-demand centre-back a little longer.
Walkon Blog