Guehi to Liverpool latest as Reds ‘make decision’ over third bid for Crystal Palace star after double rejection

It started like every other rumour. A whisper in the corridors of Anfield. A name that had been circling the football world for months. A name with power. With promise. With presence. That name was Marc Guehi—Crystal Palace’s defensive rock. But as the clock ticks toward the end of the summer transfer window, Liverpool have now taken a stand. A final decision has been made. The chase may be over.

But this wasn’t just a random chase. This wasn’t just Liverpool window-shopping. No, this was serious business. This was personal. Because when you’re building a team that just won the Premier League under a new manager, every decision matters. Every signing counts. And the story of Guehi and Liverpool became one of the most closely watched dramas of the summer.

The 2024/25 season ended in fireworks for Liverpool. The Merseyside giants were back on top, champions of England. And the man behind that miracle? Arne Slot, the calm, intelligent Dutchman who had replaced Jürgen Klopp with quiet confidence and big ideas. Nobody expected Slot to deliver the league title in his first season, but he did. And that changed everything.

Slot wasn’t celebrating for long though. The moment the champagne dried, his focus turned to the transfer market. He wanted to rebuild. Not out of fear, but ambition. He wanted players who could dominate Europe. Players who could continue Liverpool’s rebirth. He wasn’t here for a one-season wonder. He was here for an era. And what followed was nothing short of jaw-dropping.

They spent over £250 million—yes, you read that right—on Florian Wirtz, Hugo Ekitike, Jeremie Frimpong, Milos Kerkez, Giorgi Mamardashvili, and Armin Pecsi. A wave of young, hungry talent flooded through the doors of Melwood. Slot wanted depth. He wanted speed. He wanted flexibility.

Liverpool fans knew it. Journalists knew it. The club knew it. They had lost Jarell Quansah to Bayer Leverkusen. And while Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konaté remained world-class options, the backup list felt dangerously thin. Joe Gomez was there, but often deployed at full-back. Rhys Williams? A decent squad player, but nowhere near top-tier Champions League level. Slot needed one more centre-back. A starter. A warrior. A leader.

The Crystal Palace captain had been one of the Premier League’s most consistent defenders. Calm under pressure. Dominant in the air. Quick across the ground. And crucially, he was **English**—perfect for Liverpool’s homegrown quota. Even more intriguing? He had just **one year left** on his contract. It felt like the stars were aligning. Liverpool didn’t waste time.

According to reliable sources, the Reds made two official bids for Guehi. Quiet, under-the-radar approaches. No public drama. No Twitter explosions. Just serious, professional football negotiations

Crystal Palace stood firm. They knew Guehi’s value. They had a figure in mind: €55 million (£47.9 million). No discounts. No favours. No last-minute sales. Palace believed their captain was irreplaceable, and unless Liverpool were ready to pay big, he wasn’t going anywhere.

Now, Liverpool had a decision to make. Do they go back in with a third bid? Push hard to secure their top defensive target? Or walk away, save their money, and find someone else? And now, after weeks of internal meetings, scouting alternatives, and analysing the budget… the decision is clear

Yes, the club has decided not to submit a third offer for Marc Guehi. The deal is officially off the table. The Anfield hierarchy won’t meet Crystal Palace’s valuation, and they’ve made peace with moving on. It’s a moment that stings. For fans, for neutrals, and maybe even for Guehi himself.

Because make no mistake—Guehi was interested. Who wouldn’t be? This was Liverpool. Champions of England. Champions of Europe in the past decade. A club reborn under Arne Slot. A club where centre-backs become legends. From Hansen to Hyypiä, Carragher to Van Dijk… Guehi could have been next in line. But football doesn’t always follow the script.

Tottenham are watching. Closely. Ange Postecoglou has long admired the Palace defender. Spurs are looking for leaders. For consistency. For players who don’t hide under pressure. And Guehi fits that bill perfectly. Eddie Howe’s project is still full of ambition. The Magpies tried to sign Guehi last summer but couldn’t get the deal over the line. Now, with another year gone and their own defensive injuries mounting, they’re back in the race.

Sources suggest Newcastle are preparing a formal approach. They believe Guehi is the missing piece in their Champions League puzzle. And they’re willing to pay close to what Palace want. But there’s one big twist left in this tale. Palace may keep him. Yes, despite the interest. Despite the risk. Despite the danger of losing him for free next summer, manager Oliver Glasner and the club’s board may choose to hold their ground

Under Glasner, they’ve developed a unique, aggressive style. They’ve kept hold of Michael Olise (for now), locked down Eberechi Eze, and added clever depth all over the pitch. Keeping Guehi, even for one final season, could be the difference between pushing for Europe or sinking into the mid-table wilderness. Glasner reportedly believes that if they can keep their core players one more year, Palace can finally break into the top seven. And that belief is strong enough to gamble Guehi’s contract

Guehi has options. If he doesn’t leave this summer, he’ll have the freedom to talk to foreign clubs in January. He could walk away to Spain, Italy, or Germany for nothing. Or even worse for Palace, he could join a Premier League rival for free in July 2026.

And for Liverpool? The hunt continues. Their scouts are now turning their attention to other targets. Rumours are swirling around players in Germany, Portugal, and even the Championship. But the truth is, whoever comes in now will be seen as **Plan B**. Guehi was Slot’s first choice. So why didn’t Liverpool push harder?

Sources suggest there were two key reasons.Firstly, finances. After spending over £250 million already, the club didn’t want to blow nearly £50 million on a player entering the final year of his deal. It didn’t feel smart. It didn’t feel like “Liverpool business.”

**Secondly**, player preference. Guehi reportedly wasn’t desperate to leave Palace. He wanted Champions League football, yes. But he wasn’t the kind of player to force an exit or disrespect his club. That hesitation might’ve made Liverpool think twice. And so, the chapter closes.

Marc Guehi will likely start the 2025/26 season as Crystal Palace captain. A leader in defence. A mentor for the younger players. A fan favourite. But with a cloud hanging over his future.

As for Liverpool? The message from the club is clear: they won’t be held hostage in the market. They won’t be drawn into bidding wars. They’ve made their statement. And it’s one that could echo throughout the rest of the window. But in football, nothing stays final for long.

There are still weeks left before the window slams shut. One injury, one transfer twist, one player sale… and everything could change. Liverpool could come back. Spurs or Newcastle could trigger the chaos. Guehi himself could push for an exit. But for now, the curtain falls. Liverpool have moved on. Guehi stays put. And the game rolls on.