Marc Guehi Fuming Over Collapsed Liverpool Transfer as Three European Powerhouses Circle
Marc Guéhi is said to be "furious" after Crystal Palace blocked his potential transfer to Liverpool during the final day of the transfer window, and has decided against extending his current deal at the club, setting up a free departure next summer.
The England defender has been praised for maintaining professionalism during a chaotic transfer period. Guéhi has been available for all but one minute across Palace's six matches this campaign, featuring and finding the net in Sunday's commanding 3–0 victory over Aston Villa before many anticipated his deadline day departure to Liverpool.
However, the move failed to come to fruition. Palace's inability to bring in an adequate replacement combined with Oliver Glasner's determination to retain his skipper at any cost allegedly resulted in one of the window's most significant collapsed deals during a period marked by unprecedented spending.
Despite maintaining silence throughout the ordeal and offering praise for Palace and his colleagues during mandatory post-game interviews, reports emerged Tuesday suggesting Guéhi was drafting a forceful public statement. While no direct communication came from the player himself, The Guardian joined several publications in characterizing the defender as "furious" and "deeply frustrated" with Palace's decision to prevent his move to the reigning Premier League titleholders.
Guéhi had undergone portions of his Liverpool medical examination following Palace's acceptance of a £35 million ($46.9 million) bid and was prepared for transport to Merseyside via private aircraft before Glasner allegedly intervened with resignation threats.
The 25-year-old has committed to rejecting any future contract renewal proposals from Palace ahead of his deal's expiration next summer, while also contemplating relinquishing the captaincy he assumed from Joel Ward this season, according to The Times.
Though Liverpool are anticipated to renew their pursuit of Guéhi next year—a contract through 2030 had been finalized between both sides in August—numerous clubs will likely compete for the England international who remains at his peak.
The Guardian reports that Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Juventus have shown interest in Guéhi. As foreign clubs, they can negotiate a pre-contract arrangement with the discontented Selhurst Park captain beginning in January.