Marc Guehi Breaks Silence: Why His Liverpool Move Really Fell Through
Marc Guéhi settled back in his seat and gazed upward. Pressed during an uncommon interview, he had been questioned once more about his unsuccessful transfer to Liverpool last summer. However, to his interviewer's astonishment, he maintained it "wasn't challenging" to remain at Crystal Palace.
Liverpool appeared certain to have finalized a deal for their long-pursued target on Transfer Deadline Day. Encouraged by Guéhi's contract nearing expiration, the reigning Premier League titleholders maintained their £35 million ($46.7 million) assessment of the England defender, counting on Palace's declared stance that they wouldn't allow their skipper to depart without compensation the following summer.
Subsequent reports have suggested that Guéhi underwent portions of his Liverpool medical examination, indicating how far advanced the discussions had become, before Palace dramatically reversed course when they realized they couldn't find a suitable replacement. Head coach Oliver Glasner has consistently refuted claims that he considered resigning during those turbulent hours.
In a Sky Sports interview three months later, Guéhi clearly showed irritation when that "challenging summer" was brought up.
"I believe everyone holds this view and notion that it was challenging," he remarked with a knowing grin. "It genuinely wasn't challenging. It wasn't challenging whatsoever because when you concentrate on what matters most, it becomes straightforward.
"I understand that God has a purpose for me and whatever that purpose may be will manifest eventually. But the objective and concentration has always been playing football and attempting to perform at my highest level."
Guehi Would be 'Perfect Fit' for Liverpool
Guéhi's casual attitude regarding his failed Anfield transfer may, albeit slightly, relate to the fact that this opportunity remains available. There will be competing clubs vying for the 25-year-old when he becomes available as a free agent next summer, but Liverpool might still attempt to acquire him as early as January.
Former Reds midfielder Jamie Redknapp firmly believes this should be his former team's primary target in the winter transfer period. "He would be an ideal addition for Liverpool," the Sky Sports analyst observed after witnessing another disastrous defensive performance against Leeds United on Saturday evening.
"That's precisely what they require to partner with Virgil van Dijk. Then you could vary the formation and utilize a three-man defense if desired. They must bring in another central defender."
Those at Crystal Palace naturally want to retain their club captain.
Guéhi gave his Sky interview alongside defensive partner Maxence Lacroix. The French center-back shared his response to the shifting circumstances on Deadline Day last summer. "Honestly, I must say when some individuals were suggesting he would depart, I felt somewhat disappointed in my heart.
"But I believed that God had a positive plan for him. So when I learned he would remain [at Palace], internally I felt joy and I'm also pleased for him... If you observe what we [are] accomplishing currently, I believe everyone is content." Liverpool might not fall into that specific group.