Marc Guehi transfer news took centre stage on Deadline Day as the Crystal Palace captain saw his £35m move collapse at the final hurdle. The England defender, 25, had agreed personal terms, completed his medical in London and even filmed a farewell message to fans — but Palace pulled the plug after failing to replace him.
Liverpool remain heavily interested, with Sky Sports reporting Arne Slot’s side were primed to land Guehi before the collapse. But Palace’s failure to complete a deal for Brighton centre-back Igor Julio, who later joined West Ham after his own medical drama, left the Eagles with no choice but to keep their skipper.
With Guehi entering the final year of his contract and refusing to sign an extension, the saga is set to dominate the next two transfer windows. Will Liverpool move again in January, or could Chelsea, Newcastle or Spurs swoop in?
Why Crystal Palace Blocked Guehi’s Exit
Despite agreeing a £35m sale and submitting the deal sheet to the Premier League, Palace hierarchy deemed it too risky to lose their captain without securing a replacement. Oliver Glasner had warned publicly that Guehi’s departure would destabilise his defence just as Palace prepare for their first-ever European campaign.
The collapse has left Palace fans torn: disappointed at losing out on a windfall, but reassured that their defensive leader stays for at least half a season.
Could Liverpool Revive the Deal in January?
Liverpool remain front-runners, but the situation has become complicated. A January move would still hinge on Palace finding a replacement, while a free transfer next summer would attract a long list of suitors.
Chelsea have retained interest in their academy graduate, Newcastle tested the waters with multiple bids last summer, and Tottenham had a £70m offer rejected in January 2025. For Slot, Guehi represents a long-term partner for Virgil van Dijk’s eventual successor.
“Liverpool were confident a deal would get done, but Palace’s stance was clear: no exit without a replacement.” — Sky Sports Transfer Desk
Guehi’s Crystal Palace Record
| Stat (2024/25) | Marc Guehi |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 37 |
| Goals | 2 |
| Tackles Won | 68% |
| Pass Accuracy | 89% |
source: sofascore match data – 2 September 2025
The numbers show why Palace were so reluctant to let him go: a near ever-present, consistently reliable, and among the Premier League’s top ball-playing centre-backs.
Analyst Verdict — John William
Marc Guehi’s situation highlights the tug of war between short-term competitiveness and long-term financial planning. For Palace, blocking his exit keeps the squad intact for Europe, but it risks losing a major asset for nothing in 12 months.
For Liverpool, patience might pay off. Guehi’s leadership, athleticism and comfort in possession fit perfectly into Slot’s evolving backline. But every month that passes without resolution increases competition, with clubs like Chelsea and Spurs ready to pounce.
Key Insights
- Guehi’s £35m Deadline Day move collapsed due to lack of replacement.
- Liverpool remain leading contenders but face competition.
- Palace failed to sign Igor Julio, who instead joined West Ham.
- Guehi enters final year of contract, free to negotiate abroad from January.
- Captaincy and form mean Palace keep vital stability for European campaign.
What’s Next for Guehi and Crystal Palace?
Palace expect Guehi to lead them into a historic European adventure this autumn. His professionalism and strong relationship with Glasner mean his reintegration should be seamless, even after his collapsed transfer.
From January 1, Guehi can sign a pre-contract with foreign clubs. That reality, coupled with Liverpool’s interest, means Palace could face a cut-price exit mid-season. If not, a summer free transfer will make him one of the most sought-after defenders on the market.
👉 Should Palace cash in during January, or risk losing Guehi for free next summer?
0 Comments
First read message
Leave a comment
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *