Marc Guehi is set to remain at Crystal Palace after his highly-anticipated Deadline Day transfer to Liverpool collapsed. The England international defender was on the verge of completing a £35 million move to Anfield, with a medical partly done and personal terms agreed, but Crystal Palace ultimately pulled the plug due to their failure to secure a suitable replacement. The saga has now opened the door for European giants Real Madrid and Barcelona, who are closely monitoring Guehi’s situation.
The 25-year-old centre-back had looked destined to leave Selhurst Park after three successful seasons. Liverpool were confident of finalizing the deal after both clubs agreed on a fee and a five-year contract until 2030 was put in place. However, Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner was adamant that Guehi could not depart without reinforcements. The club signed 19-year-old Jaydee Canvot from Toulouse but failed to land Brighton defender Igor Julio, who instead chose a move to West Ham United. This breakdown left Palace unwilling to sanction their captain’s exit, even after a deal sheet was submitted to extend the transfer deadline.
Crystal Palace’s Decision to Block the Transfer
Head coach Oliver Glasner has been consistent in his stance regarding Marc Guehi. He repeatedly stated that the team’s success this season depended on keeping their captain. Glasner explained that while Palace were open to selling Guehi, this was conditional on securing at least one Premier League-ready replacement before the start of the campaign. With no such player arriving, the Eagles chose to reject Liverpool’s advances.
In his post-match press conference after Palace’s 3-0 win over Aston Villa, where Guehi scored a vital goal, Glasner highlighted the defender’s professionalism and leadership. He stressed that Guehi loves the club, feels valued, and remains committed despite the collapsed transfer. For Glasner, keeping Guehi was not just a personal preference but a necessity for a successful Premier League season.
Liverpool’s Setback in the Transfer Market
Liverpool’s pursuit of Marc Guehi was one of the headline stories of the summer window. The Reds, now managed by Arne Slot, had earmarked Guehi as a long-term defensive partner for Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konaté. With Joel Matip’s departure and Konaté’s contract running down, Liverpool were keen to strengthen their defensive depth.
The collapse of the Guehi deal leaves Liverpool with only three senior centre-backs, plus 18-year-old Giovanni Leoni, who joined earlier in the window. While versatile players like Andy Robertson, Wataru Endo, and Ryan Gravenberch have filled in at centre-back before, the failure to land Guehi represents a significant blow. Still, the Reds ended the window with the record-breaking signing of Alexander Isak from Newcastle United for £125 million, alongside several other high-profile arrivals.
Guehi’s Impact at Crystal Palace
Since joining from Chelsea in 2021, Marc Guehi has been instrumental for Crystal Palace. He has made over 150 appearances, captained the team, and played a crucial role in their FA Cup triumph against Manchester City — the first major trophy in the club’s history. His leadership has been equally valuable on the international stage, where he has collected 23 England caps and featured prominently in the team that reached the Euro 2024 final.
Marc Guehi’s performances continue to underline his importance. His goal against Aston Villa on Deadline Day weekend was symbolic of his commitment and quality, even amid speculation over his future. For Palace supporters, his decision to stay represents a massive boost to their hopes for another strong season.
Real Madrid and Barcelona Interest
The failure of the Liverpool deal has alerted La Liga’s two giants. Real Madrid, in particular, are exploring defensive reinforcements as they look to future-proof their backline. Barcelona are also in the market for a long-term solution at centre-back. Guehi’s age, international pedigree, and contract situation make him a prime target for both clubs.
Palace may face renewed pressure in January if either Spanish side decides to formalize their interest. The Eagles, however, will hope their captain can be persuaded to commit his future at Selhurst Park, where manager Glasner is building a competitive squad with the likes of Canvot and Yeremy Pino strengthening the team.
What Happens Next for Marc Guehi?
Marc Guehi’s contract at Crystal Palace is due to expire at the end of the 2025-26 season, meaning he could leave on a free transfer if no extension is agreed. From January 2026, he will be eligible to sign a pre-contract agreement with overseas clubs, adding urgency to Palace’s decision-making.
Reports in Spain suggest that both Real Madrid and Barcelona are now closely monitoring the situation. Guehi’s defensive quality, leadership, and experience with England make him an attractive target for Europe’s biggest clubs. Should Palace fail to convince him to extend his deal, they may be forced to sell in January for a reduced fee rather than risk losing him for nothing.
Marc Guehi’s Deadline Day transfer drama has ended with the defender staying at Crystal Palace, despite Liverpool agreeing a £35 million deal. Palace’s inability to secure a suitable replacement forced them to block the move, much to the frustration of Liverpool. With his contract expiring next summer, Guehi’s future remains uncertain, and the interest from Real Madrid and Barcelona adds another twist to this ongoing saga.
For now, Palace fans can celebrate the fact their captain and star defender remains at Selhurst Park. But with January fast approaching, the Marc Guehi transfer story is far from over.
FAQs: Marc Guehi Transfer Saga
Q: Why did Marc Guehi’s transfer to Liverpool fail?
Marc Guehi’s £35 million move to Liverpool collapsed primarily because Crystal Palace could not secure a suitable replacement for the centre-back.
Q: When could Marc Guehi leave Crystal Palace?
Guehi’s contract with Crystal Palace expires at the end of the 2025-26 season. This means he could negotiate a pre-contract agreement with foreign clubs starting in January, allowing him to move on a free transfer in the summer.
Q: Which clubs are showing interest in Marc Guehi now?
Following the collapse of the Liverpool move, major Spanish clubs Real Madrid and Barcelona have reportedly expressed interest in Marc Guehi.
Q: Could Marc Guehi still move to Liverpool in the future?
While the summer transfer did not materialize, a move to Liverpool could still happen in the future, either in the January transfer window or next summer if Guehi does not renew his contract.