Marc Guehi Makes Crucial Contract Call as Liverpool Enters Fierce Three-Club Transfer War
Crystal Palace skipper Marc Guéhi is reportedly prepared to see out his remaining contract year in south London while evaluating his options following transfer speculation from Liverpool and various other clubs.
The Eagles risk losing Guéhi on a free transfer next summer unless they secure a sale during this transfer window, though the defender's personal stance may create complications.
Reports from The Guardian suggest that Guéhi has decided against extending his stay with Palace but refuses to be pressured into making hasty decisions regarding his career path.
The England international has attracted attention from Liverpool, Newcastle United, and Tottenham Hotspur—with Newcastle having seen several bids rejected last summer, though Palace now find themselves in a more vulnerable negotiating position with just twelve months remaining on Guéhi's deal.
The Reds will require defensive reinforcement following Jarell Quansah's anticipated move to Bayer Leverkusen, which could generate approximately £35 million ($40.4 million) in transfer fees.
Nevertheless, Liverpool's pursuit of an established Premier League center-back with declining market value isn't straightforward. With the World Cup approaching next summer, Guéhi prioritizes securing consistent match time throughout the 2025–26 campaign.
A switch to Liverpool this summer presents potential risks, considering Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konaté form the established defensive partnership at Anfield. Whether Guéhi could transition from Palace and challenge either player—with Konaté being slightly more susceptible to displacement—represents a significant gamble.
Both Newcastle and Tottenham appear better positioned to guarantee Guéhi regular starting opportunities at present. However, with Konaté's Liverpool future uncertain due to his 2026 contract expiration and reported interest from Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain, opportunities may emerge either this season or next if the French defender departs through sale or free agency.
Following Quansah's departure, Liverpool might need to recruit a different center-back willing to accept a substitute role, before potentially pursuing Guéhi once Konaté's situation clarifies—provided Newcastle or Spurs haven't already secured his signature.