Sky Sports reports Marc Guehi is expected to remain at Crystal Palace this season, with Liverpool now pushing to sign Parma’s Giovanni Leoni.
Liverpool’s hopes of landing Marc Guehi this summer have been dealt a blow, with Sky Sports reporting that the England international is now likely to stay at Crystal Palace and leave on a free transfer next summer.
Talks between the clubs have taken place, but there remains a significant gap in valuation. Liverpool are unwilling to meet Palace’s asking price, especially with Guehi able to walk away for nothing at the end of the 2025/26 campaign.
Leoni Deal Now the Priority
With Guehi looking increasingly out of reach this window, Liverpool are accelerating their move for Giovanni Leoni. The 18-year-old Parma defender has already agreed personal terms, as reported earlier by FootballPlace.co.uk full story here.
Liverpool boss Arne Slot is keen to add two more centre-backs before the deadline — one experienced (Guehi was the original target) and one young talent. With the Guehi deal stalled, Leoni is now the focus, alongside other senior defensive options under review.
Guehi’s Situation at Palace
Guehi, who joined Crystal Palace from Chelsea in 2021, has become a cornerstone of their defence and a key figure in Oliver Glasner’s system. His decision to run down his contract could spark a major free-transfer scramble in 12 months’ time, with multiple Premier League and European clubs likely to be interested.
“Unless Palace lower their demands, Guehi is expected to see out his deal and leave for free in 2026,” — Sky Sports
Marc Guehi – 2024/25 Stats (Crystal Palace)
| Stat (2024/25) | Marc Guehi |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 41 |
| Goals | 2 |
| Assists | 1 |
| Pass Accuracy | 88% |
Summary: Guehi played 41 times across all competitions for Crystal Palace in 2024/25, contributing two goals and one assist, while maintaining a strong 88% passing accuracy.
Analyst Verdict
From a tactical standpoint, Guehi’s staying put is both a setback and an opportunity for Liverpool. His aerial dominance and ability to carry the ball out from the back make him a natural fit for Slot’s defensive build-up structure. However, the club’s reluctance to overspend — especially with his contract winding down — shows a disciplined approach in a volatile market.
From reviewing his recent matches, Guehi has improved his positional discipline, often holding the defensive line tighter and stepping into midfield only when space allows. While that fits Liverpool’s high line, it also explains why Palace value him so highly.
Key Insights
- Guehi expected to stay at Palace until 2026 before leaving on a free.
- Liverpool now prioritising Parma’s Giovanni Leoni as their young CB signing.
- Palace unwilling to drop valuation despite Guehi’s contract situation.
- Leoni deal could be wrapped up before the deadline.
- Liverpool still looking for one experienced CB in addition to Leoni.
What’s Next
Liverpool will push to close the Leoni transfer before the end of next week, with medicals lined up once a final fee is agreed with Parma. Slot’s recruitment team are also revisiting other experienced centre-back targets, knowing Guehi is likely off the table until at least January — and possibly next summer on a free.
Palace, meanwhile, will weigh the risk of losing Guehi for nothing against his importance in Oliver Glasner’s defensive set-up. If they start poorly, January could see a renewed push from interested clubs, but for now, the focus remains on keeping him in South London.
Should Liverpool hold out for Guehi on a free next summer — or spend big now to get Slot his experienced CB?
1 Comment (last comment by Adem)
First read message
By Adem 13 Aug 2025 21:40
What is Palace doing? Why would you let him go on a free, just agree the fee of Liverpool and reinforce that defense
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