Image source: BBC
Crystal Palace believe Liverpool are the only club seriously considering a January move for Marc Guehi. That belief alone says plenty about where the race stands and why the Reds are watching him more closely than anyone else. Big European clubs are circling, but they seem happy to wait until he becomes a free agent next summer. Liverpool might not have that luxury. Below is a closer look at the situation, what it means for Palace, why Guehi’s profile fits Liverpool’s needs so well, and how the story could unfold as the January window approaches.
Liverpool’s Interest Has Never Faded
Liverpool came close to signing Guehi in the summer. A late £35 million deal collapsed on Deadline Day when Palace pulled out, unable to secure a replacement in time. Since then the defender has remained firmly on Liverpool’s radar.
The club still needs a reliable centre back. Their situation has only become more complicated after Giovanni Leoni suffered a long term injury shortly after joining. Add the uncertainty around Ibrahima Konate, who has entered the final months of his contract, and the gap in Liverpool’s defensive planning becomes clear.
Konate said during his time with the France squad that he hopes a decision on his future will come soon. His deal is up in the summer, and no extension is agreed. Liverpool cannot ignore that risk. For all these reasons, Guehi remains a live target. The big question is whether Liverpool choose to strike in January or wait for the free transfer window in the summer.
Competition from Europe Is Growing
If Liverpool wait until next summer, things become tougher. Bayern Munich, Real Madrid and Barcelona are interested and are expected to speak to Guehi as soon as the window opens for foreign pre contract talks. From January onward, Guehi is allowed to negotiate with clubs outside England. Palace know he intends to leave and has already chosen not to sign a new contract. His current deal ends on June 30. That makes him one of the most attractive free transfers in Europe for 2026.
Liverpool cannot compete with Bayern or the Spanish giants if the conversation turns into a free transfer auction. Those clubs have a history of getting their way with out of contract players. This is why Liverpool may decide that January is their best chance.
Crystal Palace’s Standpoint
Palace head coach Oliver Glasner confirmed in October that Guehi has already told the club he will not extend his contract. Palace want to keep him for the season, but they also know they risk losing him for nothing.
Their decision to block Liverpool’s summer bid came down to timing. Palace chairman Steve Parish pulled the plug three hours before the window closed because the club had no replacement lined up. The plan now will be different. Palace have identified centre back options and are preparing for his eventual exit.
Even with that preparation, the club is not expecting any other key departures in January. The focus is firmly on Guehi. Interest in Daniel Munoz, Jean Philippe Mateta and Adam Wharton is growing, but Palace feel confident they can keep those players through the winter window. Wharton, in particular, is attracting attention from Manchester United and other top clubs. Palace know they will face battles for many of their young talents in the future, but Guehi is the one whose situation needs resolving first.
Guehi’s Return from Injury Comes at the Right Time
Guehi is expected to return from injury in time to face Wolves. He withdrew from the England squad due to a foot issue picked up during Palace’s win over AZ Alkmaar in the Conference League. He then missed the draw with Brighton but recovery has gone well.
His fitness is a central part of the story. Liverpool want a defender who can slot straight into the lineup. Guehi is proven in the Premier League, consistent and calm on the ball. Every appearance he makes leading up to January will help his case and influence Palace’s decision.
Why Liverpool Need Guehi So Much
According to Sky Sports’ David Richardson, Liverpool’s defensive struggles this season trace back to the summer. They spent heavily, setting a club record, but still failed to bring in the stability they needed at the back.
A quick overview of Liverpool’s issues:
• High expected goals conceded: Only Burnley, West Ham, Nottingham Forest and Wolves have allowed more xG.
• Full back instability: Milos Kerkez is still adjusting and Trent Alexander Arnold’s long term successor is not yet in place.
• Konate’s inconsistency and contract uncertainty: This creates pressure on the entire back line.
• Injuries and improvisation: With Leoni out and Joe Gomez struggling for minutes, Liverpool have been forced to use Wataru Endo, Ryan Gravenberch and even Andy Robertson in central defensive roles.
These are short term fixes, not long term solutions.
Guehi, on the other hand, offers reliability. He reads the game well, communicates constantly, wins duels and rarely loses his composure. He has developed into one of the most secure defenders in the league and is already trusted at international level. Liverpool missed what he could have brought last summer. The consequences have been clear on the pitch. Bringing him in now would give Arne Slot the stability he has been searching for since August.
What Palace Will Do If Guehi Leaves
Palace are not planning a major overhaul in January, but they are prepared to reinforce the defence. They were impressed with Jaydee Canvot after signing him from Toulouse, yet they know he needs time. Losing Guehi means they must add another experienced centre back.
The club had a list of replacements ready in the summer and that list will come back into focus the moment Liverpool or another team tests their resolve. The most important point is that Palace want to manage this transition carefully. Losing Guehi is a blow, and they do not want it to disrupt the second half of their season.
What Happens Next
January is shaping up to be a crossroads for every side involved.
For Liverpool:
Buy now to avoid losing him to Europe, or wait and risk a bidding war they might not win.
For Palace:
Cash in while they still can, or hold him another six months and lose him for free.
For Guehi:
Choose between a mid season move to a Premier League giant or wait for a summer sweepstakes featuring some of Europe’s biggest names. Liverpool’s need feels the most urgent. Their defensive problems have cost them points. Their long term planning is clouded by injuries and contract uncertainty. Guehi solves many of those issues in one move.
Palace know that if Liverpool want him in January, they will have to be ready to negotiate. This story will shape the winter window and influence both clubs’ seasons. If Liverpool make their move early, they might finally land the defender they should have signed months ago.
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The Liverpool FC Times Team
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