Marc Guehi to Liverpool - Deadline Day’s Most Intriguing Saga

Marc Guehi to Liverpool - Deadline Day’s Most Intriguing Saga

Amongst the hustle and bustle of Transfer Deadline Day, Premier League Champions Liverpool experienced one of the strangest climaxes to a potential signing.

No, it wasn’t involved with the now most expensive player in Premier League history - Alexander Isak, who joined the Reds on Monday for a record £125 million. Instead it was Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi.

The defender was lined up as a target in Merseyside for a lengthy span of the summer window, until his anticipated move to Liverpool fell apart in the very final stages for a reason ever so uncanny.

What Exactly Happened?

Liverpool have gone all out this summer. Arne Slot has added some trailblazing talent to his squad for the burly sum of approximately £420 million. It got them a delectable selection of Hugo Ekitike, Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong, Milos Kerkez and, finally, Alexander Isak. One more in Marc Guehi was never going to hurt.

🙌🔝 It was quite the transfer window for Liverpool - 10 new signings! pic.twitter.com/jtpTUv89fD

— This Is Anfield (@thisisanfield) September 2, 2025

The Reds have built a team to its peak completivity. But with Ibrahima Konaté’s rocky opening to the campaign, a companion for defensive virtuoso Virgil Van Dijk would have been the icing on the cake.

This was always a whispering conception at Anfield and Marc Guehi was the one handpicked to step into the illustrious back line. The 25-year-old had 12 months left on his contract and it was finally his time to sail off elsewhere, after watching the likes of Eberechi Eze and Michael Olise excite their futures.

On the very final day of the summer transfer window, Guehi had been given the green light by Crystal Palace to complete his medical, after the two clubs had agreed a fee for the England international.

However, late on Monday afternoon as the Palace captain had a five-year Liverpool contract glowing in front of him and a farewell speech recorded for his fellow teammates, he was notified that the Eagles had retracted the deal after being unable to seek a replacement.

It has since been reported that Crystal Palace owner Steve Parish was at the time attending a fitness class in Soho, meaning it wasn’t until after 6:00pm when Parish sat down with Guehi in attempt to figure out a solution.

Reports emerged later that coach Oliver Glasner, rated so highly be the Crystal Palace hierachy, threatened to step away from his role should Guehi leave, and it was up to Steve Parish to choose between the lesser of two evils - losing Guehi would certainly hurt, but without him and Oliver Glasner, Palace's season have suddenly had a much bleaker outlook.

At that point, with just one hour left of the transfer window, it was too late. Marc Guehi would remain a Crystal Palace player and Liverpool would have to make do without the centre-back they were so eager for.

🚨 BREAKING: Marc Guehi’s move to Liverpool is off. It follows Igor’s decision not to join Crystal Palace.❌ pic.twitter.com/2M0z3E87KM

— Ben Jacobs (@JacobsBen) September 1, 2025

How Much Was the Deal Worth?

As mentioned, Guehi only has 12 months left on his Crystal Palace deal. As a result, his price-tag came as a fairly reasonable expense for Liverpool, with the Eagles unable to charge much higher - especially on a day like Deadline Day.

It was reported that the Reds had agreed a £35 million fee for the defensive maestro - which in this day and age, barely takes a dent out of Liverpool’s royal budget.

Of course that now leaves Crystal Palace £35 million worse off, but for a club that has just received up to £60 million for Eberechi Eze, it is fair to say that the potential income for Guehi was never a dying need.

Although the Eagles might not profit from their club captain now - should he see out the length of his contract - they still have the leading man at their disposal, who will come as significant help in their UEFA Conference League campaign this term. The extraordinary saga has certainly benefitted manager Oliver Glasner in that sense.

How Will this Affect Liverpool?

There is no doubt that Liverpool would have been devastated not to get this move over the line. There is a slight lack of senior centre-backs at the club and Marc Guehi would have slotted in perfectly.

At the moment, Ibrahima Konaté is running as Van Dijk’s right-hand-man, and has been for many years now. However, the Frenchman has a very prominent injury record, having picked up seven different injuries since he first arrived in Merseyside four years ago.

(Ibrahima Konaté Liverpool Injury History: Transfermarkt)

Already three games into the Premier League season, Konaté has constructed a portfolio of errors as well. Liverpool’s only current backup in that position is Joe Gomez, following the departure of Jarrell Quansah. It certainly would have been nice to have Guehi to make the back line more sturdy.

But whilst there are always improvements that can be made, it isn’t as if Liverpool are frantic without them. Arne Slot’s outfit have already kickstarted the campaign with three wins from three, which includes two impressive performances against Newcastle and Arsenal.

It is likely the Reds will be gunning for Guehi this time next summer, but they still look like the same title-winning side without him.