Liverpool’s admiration for Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi has been a long-standing one, and this interest has been well-documented by the renowned football journalist, Fabrizio Romano. Despite this, Romano has recently downplayed the swirling transfer rumors that have linked the Reds with the England international, emphasizing that while the club has an interest in the player, no concrete moves have been made as of yet.
Guehi, who has been a standout performer for Crystal Palace, has naturally attracted attention from several top clubs. Newcastle United, in particular, has shown a keen interest in securing his services this summer. However, the prospect of a deal materializing seems fraught with difficulties. The complexities of such a transfer are underscored by Palace’s recent dealings in the transfer market, especially their sale of Joachim Andersen to Fulham. With that departure, Palace might be unwilling to lose another key defender, which could further complicate Newcastle’s pursuit of Guehi.
In his Daily Briefing column for CaughtOffside, Romano elaborated on the situation, stating that although Liverpool has been following Guehi since February, no formal bids have been placed. The admiration for Guehi within Anfield’s corridors is clear, as he would not only bolster their defensive ranks but also potentially serve as a long-term successor to the aging Virgil van Dijk. Van Dijk, who has been a pillar of Liverpool’s defense, is nearing the twilight of his career, and the club is undoubtedly planning for the future. A player of Guehi’s caliber could be the ideal candidate to step into that role, providing stability and continuity in Liverpool’s backline for years to come.
Romano’s insights also shed light on Newcastle’s interest in Guehi. He pointed out that while the Magpies remain keen, the negotiation table is a challenging one, particularly after Palace’s recent business. The sale of Joachim Andersen has already thinned their defensive options, and with the transfer deadline looming, Palace’s reluctance to let go of another integral player like Guehi is understandable. Moreover, Palace recently lost Michael Olise, further reducing their squad depth. Losing Guehi as well could leave them in a precarious position as they approach the new season.
Given these factors, Palace might feel confident in their ability to retain Guehi, especially as the clock ticks down on the transfer window. The club’s determination to keep hold of their defensive star could prove a significant barrier to any potential deal, be it with Liverpool or Newcastle. This, however, does not diminish Liverpool’s need to reinforce their defense, a sentiment echoed by their fans who have been eager for new signings, particularly in the defensive department.
Additionally, Liverpool is also keeping an eye on Goncalo Inacio as an alternative center-back option. With the transfer window rapidly closing, the club is under pressure to make decisive moves if they wish to strengthen their squad. Inacio, like Guehi, could bring much-needed depth and quality to Liverpool’s defense, but time is running out. The urgency of the situation is palpable, and it remains to be seen whether Liverpool will be able to secure the defensive reinforcements they require before the window shuts.
In summary, while Liverpool’s interest in Marc Guehi is genuine and has been longstanding, the reality of securing his signature is complex and uncertain. Palace’s recent player losses and their desire to retain key figures add layers of difficulty to any potential negotiations. As the transfer window draws to a close, the pressure mounts on Liverpool to act swiftly, whether it’s in pursuit of Guehi or other defensive targets like Goncalo Inacio. The coming days will be crucial as Liverpool seeks to bolster their squad and meet the expectations of their fans, who are eagerly awaiting news of new signings.