Marc Guehi’s proposed move to Liverpool collapsed dramatically on Deadline Day — and Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish has now lifted the lid on why the England defender stayed put. According to talkSPORT, the Premier League champions were on the verge of securing the 24-year-old’s signature before Palace made a late U-turn.
With only a year left on his contract, many expected Guehi to depart Selhurst Park this summer. Yet Parish confirmed it was a calculated decision to keep hold of their captain as Palace prepared for a landmark season that includes their first-ever European campaign. Was it the right call to risk losing him for free next year?
Why Crystal Palace blocked Marc Guehi’s Liverpool transfer
The Palace chairman said the club weighed both financial and sporting consequences before deciding. Parish described the situation as “never black and white,” emphasising the unique circumstances of this season — with the team competing in both the Premier League and the UEFA Conference League.
“It’s a difficult decision. In the end, we felt we’d have a better season if we kept Marc. The value of staying in the Premier League and making history in Europe outweighed the transfer fee.” — Steve Parish, via talkSPORT
Parish added that if Palace were mid-table with little to play for, the club might have accepted Liverpool’s bid. Instead, the leadership decided Guehi’s presence could define their campaign — both on and off the pitch.
Parish outlines long-term plan for Palace defence
While confirming Guehi’s likely exit next summer, Parish insisted the club already has succession plans in place. He highlighted academy talent Jaydee Canvot and Moroccan centre-back Chadi Riad as players expected to step up once the captain moves on.
Riad, sidelined since January with an ACL injury, is targeting a return later this month. Parish said both defenders could play key roles as Palace balance Premier League duties with their European debut. “We could get to a place where we don’t need to replace Marc if we keep him all season,” he noted.
Marc Guehi 2025/26 Season Stats
| Stat (2025/26) | Marc Guehi |
|---|---|
| Appearances | — |
| Goals | — |
| Assists | — |
| Pass Accuracy | –% |
source: Sofascore match data – 13 Oct 2025
Analyst Verdict – By Liam Rowe, FootballPlace Analyst
Parish’s reasoning makes sense in a financial vacuum: staying in the Premier League is worth upwards of £100 million, far exceeding any single transfer fee. For a club like Palace — now tasting European football — the short-term boost in performance and exposure could reshape their trajectory.
However, the decision comes with risk. Allowing Guehi to run down his contract invites the possibility of losing a homegrown leader for nothing. Unless Palace qualify for Europe again or secure a major domestic finish, they may look back and wonder if a £50 million sale would have been smarter.
Key Insights
- Marc Guehi’s move to Liverpool collapsed on Deadline Day.
- Steve Parish says keeping him was a “club-first” decision.
- Palace wanted stability during their first Conference League season.
- Jaydee Canvot and Chadi Riad are being groomed as successors.
- Guehi is expected to leave when his contract expires in 2026.
What’s Next for Crystal Palace and Guehi?
Palace will hope their loyalty to Guehi pays off in Europe, with the Conference League group stage resuming later this month. His leadership will be vital as Oliver Glasner’s side navigate a congested fixture list and an evolving defensive setup.
Beyond that, Premier League giants are likely to revisit their interest. Liverpool, Arsenal, and Manchester United have all monitored Guehi’s progress — and with a free transfer looming next summer, the battle for his signature could be fierce.
👉 Should Crystal Palace have cashed in on Marc Guehi — or did Steve Parish make the right call by keeping faith in his captain?
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