Inside the Collapse: Why Marc Guehi's Dream Liverpool Transfer Fell Apart
"I'm not fond of being in the spotlight," Marc Guéhi hesitantly confessed during what many anticipated would be his last post-game media session while donning a perspiration-soaked Crystal Palace jersey on Sunday night.
However, to Liverpool's disappointment and the quietly spoken central defender's dismay, Guéhi will remain in south London for at least the coming four months following a last-minute collapse that attracted more headlines than numerous completed transfers during the window.
Liverpool's bold approach, internal power dynamics at Crystal Palace's top level, and a Serbian player at AC Milan all contributed to this prominent failed transfer that warrants additional spotlight attention.
Terms Agreed With Liverpool
Dating back to early August, reports widely circulated that Liverpool had secured personal terms with Guéhi. Unlike other Anfield acquisitions, Palace's skipper ignored the speculation to keep performing for his present club, though the general understanding suggests he was eager to join the reigning Premier League titleholders.
Following the Community Shield victory over Liverpool, Palace chairman Steve Parish explained that the Eagles would probably need to accept an appropriate bid for the defender or risk losing him without compensation when his deal expires next summer. Despite their FA Cup success and European competition qualification, the south London club needed to balance their finances after accumulating £200 million ($267.8 million) in losses over five years.
The transfer might have concluded sooner if Liverpool had met Palace's £45 million valuation, but they held all the cards. Guéhi wasn't seriously connected to alternative suitors, and Parish had openly discussed his club's precarious financial state. The Eagles capitulated first, allegedly accepting Liverpool's £35 million offer plus a 10% future sale percentage on Deadline Day morning.
Simultaneously, Guéhi informed Palace manager Glasner of his departure wishes and completed at least part of his medical examination in London that afternoon, according to The Athletic.
All parties - both club boards and the player - were satisfied, yet official announcement remained pending. Before the 7 p.m. UK cutoff, a deal sheet was filed to grant clubs an additional two hours for final details, but agreement still couldn't be reached.
Unsuccessful Replacement Search
Initial rumors of Palace delaying Guéhi's transfer emerged as another Premier League center-back deal threatened to collapse. The Times first reported Palace's pursuit of Brighton & Hove Albion's Igor Julio had failed.
The clubs had apparently agreed on a loan arrangement with Igor visiting Palace's training facility, only for him to become a West Ham United player by Tuesday. Nevertheless, the unsuccessful Brazilian pursuit wasn't believed to be the decisive factor in the Guéhi situation. Like French youngster Jaydee Canvot—who did join Palace—Igor was viewed as additional defensive depth rather than Guéhi's direct replacement.
Connections emerged to Manuel Akanji before his Inter move and Liverpool's Joe Gomez, while Sky Sports identified Milan's Strahinja Pavlović as Palace's top choice to succeed Guéhi. The Serbian international remained at San Siro, leaving Palace without anyone to fill Guéhi's potential vacancy.
Oliver Glasner's 'Power Move'
Despite the significant defensive gap Guéhi's departure would create, a transfer hadn't been completely dismissed. Glasner's firm position, combined with the absence of a replacement, ultimately proved decisive.
"We held discussions in March regarding this situation, so we understand the circumstances and agreed we could sell Marc if we secured an appropriate replacement," Glasner stated directly on Sunday. The Austrian emphasized he expected Guéhi's replacement in July, not on September's opening night.
Feeling "extremely dissatisfied" with the club's acceptance of Liverpool's offer, Glasner engaged in "intense discussions" with Parish on Monday evening, The Guardian reports. There were even concerns he might leave the club entirely if deprived of his star defender.
Glasner has just one year remaining on his deal and possesses tremendous influence after guiding the Eagles to their only two major honors in 120 years of existence.
"I understand if we retain Marc, he'll accept the situation," Glasner remarked before Deadline Day's chaos erupted. "He cherishes the club and squad, feels valued, and we reciprocate those feelings. Therefore, I must emphasize we need to keep him."
Guéhi has maintained diplomatic silence throughout this ongoing situation—his third transfer saga in consecutive windows following interest from Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur. "I'm fortunate to have excellent club support and teammates," Guéhi told media over the weekend. "Concentrating on what matters most, the football, makes things somewhat easier." Now, he can focus precisely on that. At least until January.