Liverpool Stunned as Transfer Target Makes Shocking Demand While Club Eyes Major Sale
England international and Crystal Palace center-back Marc Guéhi has reportedly set conditions for any potential move to Liverpool this summer, insisting he would only consider the transfer if guaranteed regular first-team football.
The Merseyside club has already committed £146 million ($196.5 million) to new signings during this transfer window, bringing in Jeremie Frimpong and Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen. With Milos Kerkez potentially joining from Bournemouth, their total expenditure could reach nearly £190 million ($255.7 million).
Following a quiet previous summer without any new arrivals, Liverpool dominated the Premier League under Arne Slot's guidance, maximizing the potential of the squad inherited from Jürgen Klopp. This success, coupled with recent player departures, has provided substantial funds for squad enhancement.
The club has recouped approximately £20 million ($26.9 million) through the sales of Caoimhín Kelleher to Brentford and Trent Alexander-Arnold's move to Real Madrid.
According to Sky Sports, Bayer Leverkusen are close to finalizing a deal exceeding £34 million ($45.8 million) for reserve defender Jarrel Quansah. The departures of Kelleher, Alexander-Arnold, and Quansah - all academy graduates - significantly benefit the club's PSR requirements.
However, the prospects of Guéhi replacing Quansah appear uncertain at present.
While Liverpool have maintained long-standing interest in Guéhi, who has established himself in England's starting lineup over the past year, reports suggest he demands guaranteed starting opportunities before considering a departure from Palace. The club also faces competition from Arsenal and other suitors.
Quansah's exit wouldn't automatically create a first-team vacancy. The crucial factor remains Ibrahima Konaté's situation, who typically partners Virgil van Dijk in defense. With just one year remaining on his contract, the French defender has attracted interest from Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain. Liverpool would prefer to avoid repeating the Alexander-Arnold contract saga. Coincidentally, Guéhi also enters his final contract year at Selhurst Park.
Should Konaté remain at Anfield this summer, Liverpool couldn't satisfy Guéhi's playing time demands. However, if contract negotiations with Konaté prove unsuccessful and he's sold, it could create the opportunity Guéhi seeks.