Crystal Palace ready to sell Marc Guehi in January with Liverpool set to miss out

Liverpool’s Defensive Dilemma Intensifies Amid Marc Guehi Setback

Liverpool’s ambitions of securing Marc Guehi appear to be dwindling after fresh reports suggested the Crystal Palace defender is now more likely to move abroad. Credit must go to iNews for revealing that “Spanish rivals Barcelona and Real Madrid have tempted Guehi to consider a move abroad,” immediately reshaping the transfer landscape.

The expectation within Anfield circles had long been that Liverpool would revisit the deal in January after “Guehi’s move to Anfield fell through in the final few hours of the summer transfer window.” At the time, Palace’s refusal to sanction the sale without a replacement seemed a temporary obstacle. Instead, the situation has developed into a potential bidding war involving several of Europe’s most powerful institutions.

Photo: IMAGO

Palace Stand Firm on Valuation

Sources speaking to iNews claim “Palace will not sell on the cheap in January, as they remain under no financial pressure to sell.” That defiance is further supported by their strong domestic form, with some inside the club reportedly believing their push for European qualification could convince Guehi to stay. However, “there has been no such indication from the player himself,” which means Palace now face a race to extract maximum value before his deal expires in the summer.

At 25 and already an England international, Guehi represents the exact profile Liverpool usually target. Composed on the ball, aggressive in duels and capable in either a high line or deeper block, he suits Arne Slot’s evolving defensive structure. Losing out not just to another Premier League rival but to a foreign powerhouse would sting.

Attention Shifts to Bundesliga Standout

Liverpool may have to pivot swiftly. According to the same report, “The Reds see Borussia Dortmund centre-back Nico Schlotterbeck as a potential long-term replacement for Van Dijk.” The German international’s contract until 2027 complicates any approach, especially with Manchester City, Bayern Munich and Real Madrid also tracking him. However, Liverpool’s defensive urgency is growing. A “long-term injury to young summer recruit Giovanni Leoni forces their hand,” making January recruitment less of an option and more of a necessity.

Timing Becomes Crucial

Liverpool’s strategy hinges on striking early. Waiting until June risks being left behind entirely. Slot has already demonstrated his ruthlessness in selection, and rightly so, after guiding the club to the Premier League title in his debut season. He will demand reinforcements capable of matching that standard. Whether it is Guehi, Schlotterbeck or another emerging candidate, Liverpool cannot afford hesitation in a market increasingly shaped by continental spending power.

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From a Liverpool supporter’s perspective, this situation is painfully familiar. How many times do we hear about targets being “high on the list” only to watch them sign for someone else? Guehi should have been wrapped up in August. If Palace held firm, fine, pay the premium. Instead, we are now in a position where Barcelona, Real Madrid and Bayern are circling like vultures while we are once again debating whether to wait or act.

The talk of Schlotterbeck is exciting in theory, but when Manchester City enter the equation the alarm bells start ringing. Liverpool have pulled off masterstrokes before, but under Fenway Sports Group there is often a reluctance to go toe-to-toe financially with Europe’s elite. Supporters do not want to hear about alternative targets or patience. We want statements of intent.

Virgil van Dijk will not go on forever. Ibrahima Konate cannot play three games in a week. Relying on youngsters like Jarell Quansah and an injured Giovanni Leoni is not squad planning, it is wishful thinking. Slot deserves better than firefighting in January. If Liverpool genuinely want to stay at the top, then sign Guehi or Schlotterbeck, no excuses. Enough talk, time for action.