It was one of those transfer stories that simply refused to die. From the end of last season into the new campaign, Liverpool’s name never stopped being linked with Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi. The young defender, calm with the ball and brave without it, had become one of the best centre-backs in the Premier League. Every top club wanted him, but Liverpool’s interest was different. It wasn’t just about buying a defender; it was about finding a leader for the next generation at Anfield.
When the news first broke that Liverpool were leading the race to sign him, fans across Merseyside began to dream again. Guehi, with his composure, strength, and intelligence, seemed the perfect man to continue the great line of Liverpool defenders who had graced Anfield—from Jamie Carragher to Virgil van Dijk. Reports said he was open to the move, that he preferred Liverpool over Newcastle and Tottenham, and that the Reds were willing to go all in. For Arne Slot, who had just begun his mission of rebuilding the team after Klopp’s emotional farewell, Guehi was the missing piece at the back.
By the final days of the transfer window, the story had reached its peak. Journalists claimed Liverpool had agreed a £35 million deal with Crystal Palace. Everything was ready; Guehi was said to have even prepared for his medical. But then, just as quickly as hope had risen, it collapsed. Palace pulled out at the final moment. They couldn’t find a replacement, and they refused to lose their captain without cover. Liverpool were left frustrated, and Guehi, though professional, was disappointed too. The transfer that had seemed so close to completion vanished like smoke in the wind.
Yet even after the window closed, the rumours refused to fade. Every few days, a new report emerged linking Guehi back to Liverpool. It was clear that the Reds hadn’t given up. They had made their decision; he was the defender they wanted, and they were ready to wait for him. But time was ticking. Guehi’s contract at Crystal Palace would expire in 2026, and if he didn’t sign a new deal soon, he could walk away for free.
Florian Plettenberg, the well-known German journalist, later revealed that Liverpool were “giving everything” to bring Guehi to Anfield, even if it meant waiting until he became a free agent. According to him, talks were still ongoing, and Liverpool’s interest was as concrete as ever. But there was a problem: they weren’t the only ones. Barcelona had also entered the race. And even more dangerously, Real Madrid were watching closely, waiting to see what would happen. It was now a battle between three European giants for one of the best defenders in England.
Plettenberg explained that Bayern Munich were also monitoring the situation. Their sporting director, Max Eberl, had expressed interest in Guehi, particularly if either Dayot Upamecano or Kim Min-jae left the club. It was becoming clear that Guehi’s next move would not be simple. He had admirers across Europe, and the battle for his signature was going to be fierce.
At Anfield, Arne Slot and sporting director Richard Hughes were calm but determined. They knew how valuable Guehi could be. Liverpool’s defense had been showing cracks since the new season began. Ibrahima Konate had struggled with form and fitness, Joe Gomez was in and out of the side, and the younger defenders were not yet ready to command the backline. Van Dijk remained the leader, but even he knew he needed a strong partner beside him—someone young, hungry, and composed.
Slot wanted Guehi because he fit everything the Dutch manager believed in. Strong positional awareness, ability to pass under pressure, and the calmness to build play from the back. In his mind, Guehi could be Liverpool’s version of John Stones at Manchester City—a defender who can defend, create, and lead.
Liverpool fans followed every update closely. On social media, the excitement kept growing. Some believed the club had to move in January before another team hijacked the deal. Others were convinced Guehi himself wanted only Liverpool. He had admired the club’s history, and his close friends had spoken about his respect for Anfield and its fans.
But as January approached, Sky Sports journalist Mark McAdam dropped a major update. He revealed that Marc Guehi was not thinking about a January move at all. According to McAdam, Guehi’s mind was focused entirely on Crystal Palace and his performances this season. He had three big priorities, and none of them included transfer drama. He wanted to captain his team, lead them as high as possible in the league, and secure his place in England’s squad for the World Cup.
That revelation brought a mix of emotions among Liverpool fans. Some respected his professionalism, understanding that he wanted to focus on his football. Others felt disappointed, fearing that waiting too long could allow another club to steal him away. McAdam reminded everyone that Palace still had hope of convincing him to stay. “They did it with Michael Olise,” he said, “so why can’t they do it with Marc Guehi?”
But deep down, most knew this story was far from over. Guehi’s contract situation gave Liverpool a glimmer of opportunity that they could not ignore. If he didn’t renew by January, European clubs could begin talks directly with him over a pre-contract for next summer. From that point, Liverpool would have to move fast, or risk watching another potential star slip through their fingers.
In England, the rule is clear—you cannot sign a pre-contract with another Premier League side before your contract expires. But for European clubs like Barcelona or Real Madrid, January 1st was open season. They could contact Guehi freely, and that’s what worried Liverpool most. They didn’t just want him; they *needed* him.
Marc Guehi, meanwhile, remained composed through all the noise. Whenever asked about his future, he smiled politely and redirected the question. “My focus is on Crystal Palace,” he said. “I’m proud to wear this armband, and I want to give everything for this club.” But his words didn’t silence the speculation. Everyone could see the way he carried himself—the calm confidence of a man destined for a bigger stage.
Palace fans loved him, and rightly so. He had transformed their defense and given the team a sense of structure and pride. But they also knew that one day he would leave. Clubs like Palace often build players for the elite. It was just a matter of when, not if.
For Liverpool, the story connected to something deeper. It wasn’t only about strengthening the defense. It was about setting the tone for a new era. Klopp was gone. A new identity was forming under Slot, one that depended on control, patience, and intelligent buildup play. Guehi, at 24, represented that perfectly.
The frustration of the summer still lingered at Anfield. Liverpool had done everything right, but Palace had blocked the final move. Now, with the risk of losing him for nothing next year, many believed Palace would be forced to sell in January or at least listen to offers. Liverpool’s scouting department continued to monitor his every game.
Reports from Melwood said Arne Slot still spoke of Guehi during meetings. The Dutchman admired his leadership. “He is calm under pressure, strong in duels, and he speaks when others stay quiet,” he reportedly told his staff. “That is the kind of defender we need at Liverpool.”
The Anfield hierarchy also understood the danger of delay. Barcelona were already preparing a long-term replacement for Ronald Araújo, and Real Madrid were still uncertain about the future of Antonio Rüdiger. Both clubs saw Guehi as a modern defender who could adapt easily to their systems.
Florian Plettenberg’s update caused a storm across fan pages. “Liverpool are still giving everything,” he wrote on X, “but Guehi is waiting to see whether Real Madrid make a move.” That one line changed everything. Suddenly, fans began to fear the worst. A Real Madrid move could ruin everything, just as it did with other Liverpool targets in the past.
Yet those close to the player hinted that Liverpool still held the advantage. Guehi’s admiration for English football, his love for competing in the Premier League, and his dream to one day captain England—all these things pointed toward him staying in England.
By December, the debate had taken over the fan community. Some argued Liverpool should pay a small fee in January to secure him early. Others believed they should wait until the summer and get him for free. But everyone agreed on one thing—Marc Guehi was the man they wanted.
Meanwhile, Crystal Palace continued to fight for points. Guehi remained their rock, the man who led from the back and never lost his calm. Reporters who followed him every week said he looked more mature than ever. His positioning, his reading of the game, his decision-making—it was all improving. The irony was clear: the better he played for Palace, the closer he came to leaving them.
Liverpool’s backroom staff watched in silence but with determination. They knew it would take patience, but they had faith in their plan. Slot wanted a defender who could serve Liverpool for the next decade, and he believed Guehi was that man.
In January, the headlines would explode again. “Liverpool ready to test Palace resolve.” “Barcelona and Real Madrid monitoring Guehi.” “Palace captain calm amid transfer storm.” Every outlet had its version of the story, but the truth was simple—Guehi had become one of the most wanted defenders in Europe.
For now, he focused on finishing the season strong. He told his teammates privately that he wouldn’t let distractions affect his performance. Palace respected that. The club still hoped, somehow, that they could convince him to sign a new deal. But those close to him hinted it was only a matter of time before he made the move he truly wanted.
Mark McAdam ended his Sky Sports update with one powerful statement. “He’ll be thinking, if I play well from now until May, I will get huge money, a huge club, and a huge opportunity to play at the highest level.” And those words summed it up perfectly. Guehi’s calm approach wasn’t ignorance—it was strategy. He was preparing for his next chapter, one that would define his career.
Liverpool, Barcelona, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich—the stage was set. But somewhere deep inside, Liverpool fans believed he was destined for Anfield. They saw him not just as a signing, but as a symbol of a new beginning, a continuation of the club’s defensive legacy.
Time will tell where Marc Guehi ends up. But for now, one thing is clear—Liverpool are not giving up. They are ready to give everything, fight every rival, and wait as long as it takes to bring the Crystal Palace captain home to Anfield.
And if destiny has its way, the day he walks out wearing the red shirt of Liverpool, the Anfield crowd will remember this long chase—the hope, the heartbreak, and the belief that never faded. Because in football, some love stories are written long before the contract is signed. And this one, between Marc Guehi and Liverpool, feels like it’s only just beginning.
