Liverpool supporters are desperate for their team to strengthen defensively following an up-and-down start to the season.
The Reds have got six points on the board from their opening two games and are shaping up for another strong campaign.
However, despite winning both of their matches so far, Liverpool have conceded four goals, throwing away a two-goal lead in back-to-back games.
In order to rectify some of these issues, Liverpool are trying to sign Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace.
But with Guehi‘s importance still clear to his current team, the Reds are not finding it easy to extricate him.
As the transfer window heads into its final three days, Palace manager Oliver Glasner spoke out to claim Guehi’s exit could be ‘impossible’ on Friday. And on the back of Glasner’s outburst, journalist Julien Laurens has explained his understanding of the situation.
Marc Guehi walks out at Stamford Bridge ahead of Crystal Palace's Premier League match against Chelsea.
Photo by Sebastian Frej/Getty Images
Liverpool still hoping to sign Marc Guehi
Guehi’s situation at Palace is complicated by the fact that he only has one year left on his contract. Arguably, that is one of the main reasons Liverpool are trying to sign him.
But speaking in his pre-match press conference this weekend, Glasner insisted that he could not sell Guehi because he simply cannot replace what he gives the team.
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“Now it’s Friday and the window closes on Monday, he has to [stay]. He has to,” said the Austrian. “I think it’s not possible to find a Marc Guehi replacement.”
However, speaking on ESPN FC, Laurens says that despite Glasner’s best efforts, whether Guehi stays or not will not be up to him.
“It’s a good try from Oliver Glasner, and we respect him for it. But, one, he doesn’t decide, it’s not him,” said the French journalist. “We know the situation contractually for Marc Guehi is that he’s out of contract next summer, in June 2026, he’s not going to extend his contract.”
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“Steve Parish, the chairman and one of the owners, has explained it already very well, a club like Palace can’t afford to let Marc Guehi, a £40m/50m player go on a free. For clubs like that it doesn’t work like this. So, either they let him go now or he extends his deal, which we know he’s not going to do.
“That’s why they are looking to let him go, that’s why they want Liverpool to make another offer. I’m being told the two clubs are still very much in touch. Crystal Palace have a shortlist of potential players who can replace Guehi. I know there’s not much time left, but still, there’s enough time there for Guehi to go to Liverpool, for [Alexander] Isak to go to Liverpool and for Newcastle and Crystal Palace to find replacements for them both.”
Crystal Palace on the verge of centre-back signing
Although Glasner is sceptical of Crystal Palace’s chances of signing a replacement for Guehi, it looks as though the club are all set to do just that.
As journalist Fabrizio Romano reported on Friday afternoon, the Eagles are on the verge of bringing in Toulouse centre-back Jaydee Canvot.
Palace look set to sign Canvot, which would feel like a positive step towards Guehi’s potential exit.
Although the French defender is clearly not at the level of their captain, he could still replace the 25-year-old in the squad and may one day reach his level.
Time is running out here for Liverpool, but the signs are still positive that they can bring Guehi in before Monday.