Good news for Liverpool as Marc Guehi makes January decision

Liverpool’s January transfer window could finally bring some relief to fans who have been waiting for clarity in their long-running pursuit of Marc Guehi. The Crystal Palace captain, who came close to signing for Liverpool in the summer, has now made a decision that could shape not just his future but also Liverpool’s defensive plans for the coming years. Reports now suggest that Guehi will **not** be agreeing to any pre-contract deal with a foreign club in January — a major boost for Liverpool’s hopes of finally bringing him to Anfield.
The story of Marc Guehi’s near move to Liverpool has been one of the biggest talking points in English football over the past few months. The 24-year-old England international was on the verge of sealing a switch to Merseyside during the final stages of the summer transfer window. Negotiations between the Reds and Crystal Palace advanced quickly, and personal terms were believed to have been fully agreed. But at the last hurdle, the deal collapsed. The reasons behind it were never officially confirmed, though reports claimed that disagreements over the payment structure and sell-on clauses led to a breakdown.
Since then, Liverpool have kept a close eye on Guehi’s situation, knowing that his contract with Crystal Palace expires in 2026. By football’s rules, once January arrives, Guehi will be free to negotiate with clubs outside England and agree to a pre-contract deal that would allow him to move for free the following summer. That scenario would have been a nightmare for Liverpool, especially considering how much effort they invested in convincing him to join them last summer.
However, according to Sky Sports reporter Mark McAdam, Guehi has no intention of committing to any foreign club in January. He’s not thinking about pre-contracts, mid-season moves, or transfer gossip. His full focus, for now, remains on Crystal Palace and the Premier League season ahead.
McAdam explained that Guehi’s mindset is one of patience and professionalism. “January would mark the final opportunity Crystal Palace would have to make some money before seeing their captain leave on a free in the summer,” he said. “There is still a chance they persuade him to stay. They did it with Michael Olise in 2023, so why can’t they do it with Guehi? But it’s fair to say he won’t be short of offers. In fact, they are all queuing up now, speaking with his representatives to see what a deal could look like.”
That final line says a lot. Even though Guehi isn’t thinking about a move yet, the rest of Europe certainly is. Clubs such as **Bayern Munich, Barcelona, and Real Madrid** have reportedly been monitoring him closely. All three see him as a valuable long-term investment — a technically gifted, physically dominant centre-back entering his prime. For a player with Guehi’s profile — an England international captain, a Premier League regular, and a proven leader — opportunities like that don’t come around often.
But what sets Guehi apart is his mentality. At a time when many players might be tempted to chase higher wages abroad, he’s staying grounded. Sources close to the player have revealed that his heart remains in England and that the Premier League is still where he wants to play his best football. That is exactly why Liverpool believe they are still in pole position.
Liverpool manager Arne Slot and the club’s sporting director **Richard Hughes have made it clear that strengthening the defence is one of their main priorities. The Reds have looked solid this season in midfield and attack, but at the back, they still need another consistent, high-level centre-back who can take the pressure off Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konaté With Joel Matip leaving the club last summer and youngster Jarell Quansah still developing, Slot knows he needs a long-term solution — and Guehi perfectly fits that vision.
Slot admires Guehi’s composure, leadership, and ability to play out from the back — qualities that make him an ideal modern-day Liverpool defender. He has also captained Crystal Palace with remarkable maturity, often leading by example even in difficult games. His performances for England under Gareth Southgate have also caught attention, especially with the possibility of him becoming one of the key defenders in England’s World Cup squad next summer.
Sky’s McAdam also noted that Guehi’s value continues to rise, saying: “He’s a captain, he’s a leader, he’s proven he can win silverware. He will probably be a key member of Thomas Tuchel’s World Cup squad in the summer, and he’s at the right age where he is not yet at his peak as a central defender.” That line alone explains why so many top clubs are circling.
For Crystal Palace, the situation is bittersweet. They want to keep their captain, but they also know the financial reality of the Premier League. If Guehi refuses to extend his contract, the club risks losing him for free in 2026 — something they can hardly afford. Selling him in January might seem logical, but it’s unlikely. Palace manager Oliver Glasner depends heavily on him, and the club would be reluctant to weaken their defence mid-season.
That is why Guehi’s decision not to entertain pre-contract talks could be crucial. It keeps Liverpool in the race without having to worry about a foreign club sealing a deal early. If Palace decide to cash in next summer, Liverpool could step back into the picture — and this time, they might complete what they started.
Liverpool fans, meanwhile, will be encouraged by how this situation has unfolded. For years, the Reds have missed out on top defensive targets due to timing or competition from abroad. Players like Josko Gvardiol and Wesley Fofana were once on Liverpool’s radar before joining other clubs for massive fees. But Guehi’s stance gives the club a second chance.
Another factor that could work in Liverpool’s favour is the player’s personality. Those close to Guehi describe him as calm, thoughtful, and focused on steady progress. He isn’t motivated solely by money or fame — he wants the right footballing environment. And under Arne Slot, Liverpool have been rebuilding their identity, combining tactical structure with attacking flair. The idea of joining a project that values discipline and leadership could strongly appeal to him.
Liverpool’s pursuit of Guehi also reflects the club’s long-term strategy. Since the departure of Jurgen Klopp, the Reds have been more measured in their transfer dealings, focusing on young, homegrown talents who can grow into key roles. Guehi fits that perfectly. He’s English, Premier League-proven, and has leadership qualities that align with the club’s culture.
Sources around Anfield believe that Liverpool will try again in the summer, this time with more flexibility and preparation. They are expected to offer around £45–50 million**, a figure that matches Guehi’s current estimated transfer value of €42.5 million according to FootballTransfers’ data. Whether Palace accept or not will depend on how much pressure Guehi applies to move.
Interestingly, the situation draws parallels with Michael Olise’s case in 2023, when Palace convinced their star winger to stay despite heavy interest from Chelsea. The club offered him an improved contract and made him a central part of their project. Palace might attempt a similar approach with Guehi, but insiders believe this time it will be harder. The defender has already made up his mind about taking the next step in his career, and it’s clear that he wants to play Champions League football — something Palace can’t offer.
As things stand, Guehi’s decision to postpone transfer talks until the end of the season is being seen as a positive sign by Liverpool’s hierarchy. It keeps communication lines open, prevents foreign clubs from getting a head start, and ensures that Liverpool remain firmly in contention.
Arne Slot will no doubt be monitoring Guehi’s performances closely throughout the season. The Dutch manager has a reputation for working well with disciplined defenders, and he values players who can play in a high defensive line — a style similar to what Guehi has adapted to under Glasner at Palace. Slot’s admiration for Guehi goes beyond just talent; he sees leadership, stability, and consistency — all qualities that Liverpool’s backline needs as they aim to return to the top of English football.
Meanwhile, Guehi continues to perform with quiet professionalism for Crystal Palace. Despite the transfer talk, he has not allowed distractions to affect his form. Week after week, he delivers reliable defensive displays, captains the team with calm authority, and leads by example both on and off the pitch. That attitude only strengthens Liverpool’s desire to bring him in.
At Anfield, fans are already dreaming of what a defensive pairing between Van Dijk and Guehi could look like. Van Dijk, now 34, remains world-class but is slowly approaching the twilight of his career. Having a younger, composed partner like Guehi could provide the perfect balance — experience alongside youthful energy.
In summary, Marc Guehi’s January decision not to agree to a pre-contract with any foreign club is the news Liverpool wanted to hear. It buys them time, gives them hope, and ensures they stay in the race for one of England’s finest defenders. While Bayern, Barcelona, and Real Madrid may circle from afar, Liverpool remain the most logical and emotionally connected destination for the Crystal Palace captain.
For Guehi, the next few months will be about focus — helping Palace finish strong, leading his team through tough fixtures, and keeping his standards high. For Liverpool, it will be about patience — waiting for the right moment to strike, knowing that this time, the stars might finally align.
If everything goes as expected, the summer of 2026 could see Marc Guehi walking out at Anfield in the famous red shirt, standing beside Van Dijk, and finally fulfilling the transfer that slipped away once before. This time, it feels different. This time, it feels destined.