Liverpool’s summer transfer window has been intense, and the coming days could define the club’s season. With their Premier League opener against Bournemouth just around the corner, all eyes are now on the long-running pursuit of Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi. After weeks of stalled negotiations, a breakthrough appears closer than ever, as Palace’s financial position has shifted dramatically.
The Reds have already secured a deal for highly-rated Giovanni Leoni from Parma, with the young centre-back in England completing his medical. But Liverpool’s recruitment strategy has never been about one signing alone. Jarell Quansah’s recent move to Bayer Leverkusen and the uncertainty surrounding Ibrahima Konaté’s contract have left the squad light in defensive options. For a team competing across four competitions, depth at centre-back is a non-negotiable.
Guehi has been on Liverpool’s radar for months, admired for his consistency in the Premier League. Strong in one-on-one duels, calm under pressure, and intelligent in positioning, the 24-year-old has developed into one of the division’s most reliable defenders. It is no surprise that Liverpool see him as the ideal long-term partner to Virgil van Dijk and a player capable of easing the burden on Konaté.
The problem, until now, has been the price. Crystal Palace valued their star defender at £45–50 million, while Liverpool were reluctant to go beyond £35–40 million. That deadlock left the transfer hanging in the balance. But recent developments have altered the landscape.
A ruling from the Court of Arbitration for Sport has ended Palace’s hopes of qualifying for European football this season. Without the financial boost of Europa League or Champions League participation, Palace find themselves in a weakened bargaining position. Compounding this is Guehi’s contract, which is set to expire next summer. Palace now face a difficult decision: cash in on him now or risk losing him for nothing in 12 months.
For Guehi himself, the decision is straightforward. He has ambitions of playing at the very highest level, competing in Europe, and challenging for silverware. Liverpool, under new manager Arne Slot, can offer him exactly that. The Reds remain one of England’s biggest clubs, and their need for reinforcements at the back means Guehi would not only be a squad player but potentially a starter alongside Van Dijk or Konaté.
Timing, however, will be crucial. The season is long, and Liverpool’s injury concerns have already begun to surface. Slot is keen to build momentum quickly in his debut campaign, and the defensive frailties exposed during their Community Shield defeat have made reinforcements even more urgent. Richard Hughes, the club’s new sporting director, is said to be pushing aggressively to close the deal before the window slams shut.
If Liverpool can secure both Leoni and Guehi, it would send a powerful message to rivals. The signings would strengthen the present while also laying foundations for the future. Leoni represents promise and potential, while Guehi offers proven quality and Premier League experience. Together, they would ensure Liverpool’s backline remains competitive for years to come.
Palace, for their part, continue to train Guehi as normal, but there is an air of inevitability about his departure. With the valuation gap narrowing and the financial pressure mounting, the transfer could be concluded in a matter of days. Palace fans may lament losing one of their brightest talents, but the circumstances make a sale almost unavoidable.
This saga goes beyond a simple transfer. It reflects Liverpool’s ambition under Slot, their willingness to back their new coach, and their intent to remain a force in the Premier League title race. In a window where critics feared the club might lack urgency, landing both Leoni and Guehi would silence doubts and underline the seriousness of their project.
For now, Liverpool supporters wait anxiously, aware that in modern football, the fine margins of one deal can influence an entire season. If Guehi’s move is sealed soon, it could prove one of the most decisive transfers of the summer.
