Liverpool could get Marc Guehi transfer done imminently after financial incentive vanishes

Liverpool’s transfer window has already been intense, dramatic, and full of twists — but now, it is reaching the point where big decisions have to be made quickly. Just hours before their Premier League opener against Bournemouth, there is a sense of urgency in the air. The Marc Guehi saga, which has dragged through the summer, could finally be about to hit its breaking point. And for Liverpool, this is not just about adding another defender; it is about sending a statement to the rest of the league that their ambitions remain sky-high, even after an already busy window.

The situation is complex. Liverpool have already been working on bringing Giovanni Leoni from Parma, with the Italian centre-back reportedly flying into England on Thursday to undergo his medical. That deal, while not officially announced, seems to be all but done. But anyone who has followed Liverpool closely this summer knows that Leoni was never going to be the only defensive addition. The need for depth at centre-back has been a talking point for months, and it has only grown sharper in recent weeks. Jarell Quansah, a promising young defender, has departed for Bayer Leverkusen, leaving another hole in the squad. And while Ibrahima Konaté remains an important figure, the fact that he has yet to sign a contract extension has created uncertainty about his long-term future.

This is where Marc Guehi comes in. The England international has been one of the most consistent defenders in the Premier League over the past few seasons. Calm under pressure, quick across the ground, and strong in one-on-one duels, he is the kind of player who could slot straight into Arne Slot’s system without much adaptation time. Liverpool have been admirers for months, and discussions with Crystal Palace have been ongoing. But, as always in transfers, the stumbling block is money.

Crystal Palace have made it clear that they want between £45m and £50m for Guehi. Liverpool, however, value him closer to £35m–£40m. This £10m gap has been the main reason the deal hasn’t been wrapped up already. From Palace’s perspective, they are entitled to hold out for the higher fee — Guehi is an established Premier League defender, a full England international, and still only in his mid-20s. For Liverpool, while they acknowledge his quality, they also see an opportunity to negotiate because of the player’s contract situation. His deal at Selhurst Park is due to expire next summer, meaning Palace risk losing him for free if they don’t cash in now.

In truth, the dynamics of the deal have shifted dramatically in Liverpool’s favour in the past few days. A ruling from the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has ripped up Crystal Palace’s hopes of competing in the Europa League and, by extension, removed any realistic chance of qualifying for the Champions League next season. European football — the biggest carrot a club like Palace can dangle to keep their best players — is now off the table. Without the financial rewards of those competitions, the club faces difficult decisions. Oliver Glasner, Palace’s manager, will know that holding on to Guehi no longer offers the same competitive advantage, and chairman Steve Parish is a pragmatic operator. With the window closing soon, Liverpool believe that Palace’s stance may soften.

For Guehi himself, the move makes perfect sense. He wants to test himself at the highest level, compete for titles, and play regularly in Europe. Liverpool offers all of that. His playing style — quick to step out from the back, confident on the ball, and disciplined in his positioning — would complement both Van Dijk and Konaté, while also fitting perfectly into Slot’s tactical philosophy. He could cover in multiple defensive roles if needed, making him not just a luxury signing, but a genuine necessity.

The urgency comes from timing. Liverpool are well aware that if they want Guehi integrated into the squad quickly, ideally before the season gets into full swing, they need to get the deal done within days. Slot has already had to start the season without several key players due to injury, and while his starting XI tonight against Bournemouth looks strong, the demands of the season will quickly test the squad’s depth. The Champions League group stage, domestic cup competitions, and the relentless pace of the Premier League mean injuries are inevitable. Signing Guehi now could be the difference between Liverpool maintaining their defensive solidity all season or suffering costly dips in form.

Behind the scenes, Richard Hughes, Liverpool’s new sporting director, is working to bridge the gap between the clubs. His approach this summer has been decisive — identifying targets early, moving quickly to secure them, and avoiding drawn-out negotiations where possible. But with Guehi, the situation is more delicate. Palace know they have a valuable asset, and they are reluctant to appear as though they are caving under pressure. Liverpool, on the other hand, are quietly confident that the combination of Guehi’s contract situation, Palace’s European exit, and the player’s desire to move will eventually push the deal over the line.

The Anfield hierarchy also knows that making a double defensive signing — Leoni and Guehi — before the end of August would send a powerful message. It would not only address the immediate needs of the squad but also show the fanbase that the club is backing Slot fully in his first season in charge. After losing the Community Shield, some critics questioned whether Liverpool had done enough in the market to stay ahead of their rivals. Pulling off this double deal would silence those doubts.

For now, the waiting game continues. Guehi remains a Palace player, training as usual, but everyone involved knows that could change quickly. If Liverpool and Palace can narrow the valuation gap, the move could be wrapped up in a matter of days. Until then, the whispers will grow louder, the speculation will intensify, and every fresh update will be dissected by fans hungry for news.

It’s not just another transfer story — it’s a test of Liverpool’s ambition and negotiating power. And with the season about to explode into life, the outcome could shape more than just the defence; it could shape the whole title race.