Liverpool Poised to Strike: Marc Guehi Deal on the Brink
Liverpool are prepared to offer over £30 million ($40.4 million) for center-back Marc Guéhi during this summer window, though the deal depends on Crystal Palace accepting the valuation and securing a replacement for their skipper.
The Merseyside club has been consistently linked with Guéhi throughout the transfer period, with speculation intensifying recently. Liverpool have already brought in Giovanni Leoni from Parma to replace Jarell Quansah, but they reportedly seek another seasoned center-back before September's deadline.
Liverpool's uncertain defensive showings this season will have certainly reinforced this need, while potentially giving Palace more leverage in transfer discussions for Guéhi.
The Reds have allegedly been hesitant to meet Palace's valuation for the 25-year-old given his contract expires next summer. Fabrizio Romano has disclosed that Liverpool are keen to complete a deal worth approximately £30 million before Monday's window closure. The move appears to depend on Palace's willingness to accept that amount and their ability to find an adequate replacement quickly.
Additional reports suggest the Anfield side are in "ongoing discussions" with the England defender, who is interested in joining Liverpool.
Palace manager Oliver Glasner has acknowledged his team must retain Guéhi at least until after Thursday's Europa Conference League qualifier second leg against Fredrikstad. They hold just a 1-0 advantage from the opening match and will already miss Eberechi Eze following his transfer to Arsenal.
Arne Slot will likely be troubled by Liverpool's defensive performances this season after watching his team squander two-goal advantages in dramatic Premier League wins—most recently against ten-man Newcastle United on Monday evening.
With Virgil van Dijk now 34, Ibrahima Konaté's contract expiring next summer, Joe Gomez's injury history, and Leoni having only 30 senior appearances, acquiring Guéhi would significantly strengthen their defensive depth.