Liverpool FC are strongly chasing Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi. The summer transfer window is warming up, and this transfer has become one of the most discussed stories of the season.
https://twitter.com/CPFC/status/1926542506897891824
Who is Marc Guehi? Liverpool‘s probable next pillar of defence
Early Life & Youth Start
Born on 13 July 2000 in Abidjan, Ivory Coast. Guéhi relocated to London at a young age and get into Chelsea’s academy in 2007. He joined Cray Wanderers after that.
Shone in Chelsea’s youth ranks, leading the under-18s to several honors—including the FA Youth Cup and UEFA Youth League—and signed his first professional contract in 2017.
Chelsea Senior Debut & Swansea Loan
Made his Chelsea first-team debut in the EFL Cup in 2019, with games against Grimsby Town and Manchester United.
Spent from January 2020 until 2021 on loan at Swansea City, where he established himself as a defensive pillar through 52 league appearances, earning worthwhile first-team experience.
Transfer to Crystal Palace
In July 2021, Guéhi inked a five-year contract with Crystal Palace for a fee reportedly around £18 million, one of the club’s biggest signings. Soon established himself as a first-choice regular, as well as a strong defensive partnership and by early 2022, club captain.
Since then, made more than 100 appearances, even guiding Palace to an FA Cup win in 2025.
International Career with England
Represented England at youth levels, particularly leading the U17s and scoring in the final when England won the 2017 FIFA U-17 World Cup.
Made his senior England debut in March 2022, and proceeded to win 23 caps, playing an instrumental role as England was runners-up in UEFA Euro 2024.
Why Liverpool Want Marc Guehi
Liverpool require defensive signings in their squad. Jarell Quansah has already made a transfer move to Bayer Leverkusen, in the Bundesliga. Joe Gomez is injury prone. That would leave only Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konaté as the backline. Guehi, who is 25, is regarded as a promising, long-term answer. His calm and composed approach and accurate passing suit manager Arne Slot’s style.
A number of reports state Liverpool have opened advanced negotiations with Palace for this transfer. The offer is set to be worth £35–40 million—substantially under the £70 million valuation Palace was initially offered. Palace do not want to lose him on a free next summer, with his contract expiring only until summer 2026.
Crystal Palace’s Dilemma
Manager Oliver Glasner desires Guehi to remain. He mentioned a shortage of defensive choices and even joked that perhaps he would have to come in himself. But chairman Steve Parish has admitted Palace might have to sell in order to not lose Guehi on a free.
Glasner added the choice is really down to Guehi himself: “It’s the player’s decision,” he said.
https://twitter.com/FabrizioRomano/status/1958641786739728579
What Guehi Wants
Guehi seems set on the move. He’s told Palace of his preference, with reports that it is “Liverpool or bust” for him. Liverpool are seemingly only £5 million away from Palace’s valuation.
That being said, sources point out that Guehi is not desperate. He is professional and dedicated. He played in Palace’s European playoff and the Premier League opener despite all the transfer rumors.
Author’s Insight: Transfer Window Pressure
The transfer window shuts on September 1, 2025—a week from now. That presents an urgency for both sides. Liverpool need the strength now, but Palace have to balance short-term strength with long-term budget management. A fee in the £40 million range appears most probable. But negotiations about add-ons and payment terms could hold things up.
This is a typical combination of financial strategy, sporting necessity, and individual aspiration. Liverpool‘s ambition is genuine; Palace are walking the tightrope between ambition and pragmatism. Guehi finds himself firmly in the middle—ready to make his decision.