Liverpool Surge Ahead of Chelsea in Battle for England Star Marc Guehi
Liverpool are said to be leading the race to acquire Marc Guehi this summer should the Crystal Palace centre-back depart during the transfer window.
The 25-year-old Guehi has just 12 months left on his current deal, which might encourage Crystal Palace to sell the highly-rated defender this summer rather than risk losing him without compensation next year.
Liverpool are viewed as frontrunners in the pursuit, with The Telegraph suggesting the Merseyside club are in 'pole position' to secure the defender's signature. Newcastle United had previously come close to landing Guéhi a year ago for more than £70 million ($94.1 million), though his valuation might decrease given his contract situation. Should he sign a new deal, his price tag could remain around that same level.
Chelsea might also pursue defensive reinforcements following Levi Colwill's ACL injury sustained in training that will sideline him for most of the campaign, and they maintain interest in their former academy product, though the Blues are exploring internal solutions after bringing in Jorrel Hato this summer.
Guehi has featured in no fewer than 34 matches across the past four Premier League campaigns. A knee problem in 2023–24 sidelined him for two months, but aside from that setback, he has proven to be a dependable performer who has attracted attention from several clubs. He netted three times and provided two assists in the previous season as well.
Liverpool said goodbye to Jarell Quansah this summer when the English defender joined Bayer Leverkusen. This leaves only club skipper Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konaté and Joe Gomez as senior defensive options. Konaté is also in his final contract year while Real Madrid continue to explore the prospect of securing him on a free transfer next summer.
Andy Robertson featured at centre-back against Athletic Club recently, which may have been a tactical decision by Arne Slot to demonstrate to the hierarchy that another defensive addition is required to cover for injuries or suspensions. Liverpool have strengthened their flanks by signing Milos Kerkez and Jeremie Frimpong, with the latter replacing the departed Trent Alexander-Arnold.
Slot will have another opportunity to assess Guehi closely when the Reds face Crystal Palace in the Community Shield on Sunday.