Liverpool step up bid for Guehi on deadline day
Liverpool have moved decisively for Marc Guehi, submitting an offer in the region of £35 million as the transfer window hits its final hours. Crystal Palace are holding out for a package closer to £40 million with add-ons, and the gap in valuation is the key obstacle left to bridge. Talks have been described as active rather than speculative, with both clubs aware the clock is now part of the negotiation.
Inside Anfield, the push is strategic, not opportunistic. Arne Slot and Liverpool’s recruitment team view Guehi as a plug-and-play defender who suits a higher line and quick build-up. He is right-footed but comfortable on the left of a pairing, reliable in wide channels, and calm under pressure—traits Liverpool want next to Virgil van Dijk as the squad transitions to its next cycle.
Oliver Glasner’s stance is equally clear: Palace won’t weaken themselves without a safety net. After a statement 3-0 win over Aston Villa, the Palace manager praised Guehi’s influence and made plain he has told chairman Steve Parish the club needs a credible replacement lined up before any sale is signed off. Palace have time-sensitive leverage—late in the window, sellers set prices—but the calendar also limits their options.
Guehi’s contract runs to 2026, which matters. Palace risk diminishing returns if they kick this decision into next year, yet they also know losing a defensive leader on deadline day can ripple through a season. That push-pull—maximize fee, protect the squad—is why the number and the add-on triggers will be scrutinized to the last detail.
The England international’s pedigree is not in doubt. He established himself as one of the Premier League’s steadiest centre-backs at Palace and started for England at Euro 2024, where his composure and timing stood out. At 25, he sits in the sweet spot for a long-term project while already seasoned enough for immediate responsibility.
Why the deal hinges on Joe Gomez — and Palace’s stance
Liverpool’s plan involves two moving parts. AC Milan have stepped up interest in Joe Gomez, who can play centre-back, right-back, and even left-back when needed. The Reds, though, will only let Gomez go if Guehi arrives first. That conditional sequence protects their depth chart across four competitions and avoids leaving Jarell Quansah as the only rotation option behind Van Dijk and Ibrahima Konaté.
It’s a calculated reshuffle. Van Dijk, now in his mid-30s, remains central but cannot be asked to shoulder every game. Konaté is elite but has had stop-start spells. Quansah has surged, yet Liverpool want another peak-age defender to raise the baseline level. Guehi’s ability to defend space, pass into midfield, and hold the line under pressure fits the model.
For Palace, the decision is layered. Joachim Andersen is a mainstay, Chris Richards offers flexibility, but losing Guehi late would force them to either overpay for a replacement or gamble on internal cover. That’s why Glasner’s message has been consistent: if Palace sell, they want the timeline and the funds to bring someone in. Any deal structure will likely front-load part of the fee and include performance-based add-ons—appearances, team achievements, and possibly European qualification triggers—to protect both sides.
Valuation-wise, the numbers track the market. Top-tier centre-backs with Premier League minutes and international caps have commanded rising fees in recent seasons. A figure around £40 million for a defender of Guehi’s age and profile is consistent with that trend and reflects the premium on players who can step straight into a top-four chase.
The domino effect is real. If Liverpool land Guehi, Milan can push harder for Gomez, who brings Champions League experience and versatility. If Palace hold firm or the fee balloons beyond Liverpool’s threshold, Liverpool may keep Gomez and reassess alternatives in January. Each branch of that decision tree changes the final hours of the window for three clubs in two leagues.
Then there’s the tactical question: how, exactly, would Liverpool use him? Under Slot, the back line is expected to start attacks, not just end them. Guehi carries the ball cleanly, plays through the first press, and defends well in isolation—useful when full-backs step into midfield. He’s strong in the air without being solely reliant on it, and he rarely dives in. That profile complements Van Dijk’s reading of the game and Konaté’s recovery speed.
Injury record and availability are part of Liverpool’s calculus too. After a knee layoff last season, Guehi returned to form in time for England duty, and his workload has been managed smartly. Liverpool have leaned into data-led medical decision-making; they will want confidence on durability before committing to a sizable fee.
Palace’s wider picture also matters. The club have been careful with outgoings and have already rebuffed approaches this year for key players. If they sanction this one, they’ll want a statement incoming or a clear plan for minutes across the back line. Late-windows are unforgiving; the wrong exit at the wrong time can cost points through autumn.
What happens next is predictable in shape, not in outcome. Liverpool are expected to test Palace’s resolve with improved terms—either a higher guaranteed sum or more attractive add-ons. Palace will weigh that against the time left to reinvest. Milan, for their part, are waiting to see if the door opens for Gomez. One green light triggers two more moves; one red light freezes the lot.
For Liverpool, the logic is simple: raise the defensive floor now, protect the squad’s balance, and plan for the next three seasons, not just the next three months. For Palace, it’s about value and timing. If the number hits their mark and a replacement is viable, a sale is manageable. If not, keeping a leader at the back could be worth more than any late-window premium.
September 1 2025 0
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