Crystal Palace centre-back Marc Guehi has subtly hinted at a potential move to Liverpool amidst ongoing transfer speculation. Earlier this month, the Reds initiated discussions with Crystal Palace about a possible transfer for the England international.
However, they are unwilling to pay an exorbitant fee for a player who will be available on a free transfer next summer when his contract ends.
Despite being in the midst of transfer negotiations, the 25-year-old has remained committed to his current club, helping them secure a 0-0 draw against Chelsea in their Premier League opener and a 1-0 victory over Fredrikstad in the Europa Conference League on Thursday night. He is expected to play again for Palace in their home match against Nottingham Forest on Sunday.
Crystal Palace manager Glasner has previously stated that the club cannot afford to lose the defender until after their second leg match against Fredrikstad next week. However, chairman Steve Parish has reiterated that Guehi will likely be sold if he does not agree to a new contract.
With the transfer window remaining open until 1 September, it is yet to be seen whether Liverpool can negotiate a successful deal for Guehi before the deadline. The defender is reportedly eager to make the move to Anfield, but it is believed that Palace's asking price far exceeds what Liverpool are willing to offer for a player in the final year of his contract.
Amidst the swirling rumours, Guehi disclosed in a BBC Sport interview that he has many friends in Liverpool and spoke warmly about his close-knit family.
"Football is a big part of my life. It has been for a long time now," he said. "It means a lot.
"I am able to do something I love every single day, able to provide for my family, able to make friends. It means a lot.
"Yes (I still live at home with my sisters). Home is my sisters. Everyone is just funny. I get to be myself in a way, if that makes sense?
"I don't know if I'm the only one in football that feels like this but sometimes - not all the time - you have to put on a show. You have to not necessarily be someone you're not but be an extension of yourself to kind of make it in this environment.
"It is such a tough environment - cut-throat, really difficult. There's a lot of bravado, ego. It's a good thing, but when I'm at home I can chill. I can be myself. They [family] are my foundation. I love being around them.
"Yes (I'm a sociable person), but I don't have many friends. All my friends are either in different countries or live in Manchester or Liverpool so it's hard to connect."
Whilst Guehi's destiny remains up in the air, he also highlighted a previous move - his loan stint at Swansea City from Chelsea in January 2020 - as a pivotal moment in his career.
"I'd say my time on loan at Swansea was a big turning point," he confessed. "Coming from Chelsea's academy and going to such an amazing club that made me feel welcome from the beginning.
"Not playing right away, having to sit on the bench, not travelling to games and experiencing the difficult side of football... I wouldn't say it woke me up, but it put me in my place.
"That definitely helped me understand the world of football a bit better."
It's been an unforgettable year for Guehi, particularly after his standout performance for England as they reached the Euro 2024 final last summer.
The centre-back led Crystal Palace to their first ever major trophy by defeating Man City in last year's FA Cup final, before overcoming Liverpool in the Community Shield at Wembley earlier this month.
And if he is to depart Selhurst Park before the transfer window shuts, he'll be keen to ensure Palace secure their spot in the Europa Conference League phase.
The FA Cup final might seem like an obvious highlight. However, Guehi disputes that winning the trophy was a personal highlight, asserting that he believes the best is yet to come as he outlined his future goals.
"The FA Cup final? No, no...not for me," he said when asked which match was the standout from his career. "That's not even great..
"I see that more for the football club and the fans. I'm really happy for them.
"But for me... I don't think I have one if I'm being honest, just because I think that is still to come. There will be one to come at some point in my career but not now.
"(I'm most proud of) just the fact I have kept going. I'd say I am very hard on myself and I like it that way.
"It keeps me on my toes, it keeps me grounded, it keeps me focused and wanting to improve. Just the fact I have kept on going.
"Not from any outside noise or anything, but just the pressure I put on myself. I'm quite demanding.
"The fact that I have almost in a way battled it out with myself and I have kept going is a good thing.
"(I want) to play until I am 40. Obviously winning trophies is great and playing in different competitions, but I think that is real testament to how professional someone is.
"Obviously there are going to injuries and that's always unfortunate, but God willing I can play for that long."