Liverpool’s move to sign Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi on transfer deadline day has fallen through.
Liverpool were on the verge of completing a near-perfect transfer window, having already secured key additions, only for their final-hour pursuit of Eagles captain Marc Guehi to collapse in dramatic fashion.
The Reds had submitted a £35 million bid with a 10% sell-on clause on Saturday. Palace initially held out for £40 million, but an agreement appeared to have been reached on Monday, allowing Guehi to undergo his medical ahead of the 7pm deadline. After completing the tests in London, it seemed the defender was set to sign a five-year contract at Anfield.
However, Palace’s own plans to bring in a replacement were thrown into chaos. Brighton’s Julio Igor, who was poised to join on loan, was approached by West Ham United, forcing the Eagles to rethink. Manager Oliver Glasner insisted that a player of sufficient quality must be secured before the club could sanction Guehi’s departure.
Palace eventually confirmed the signing of French youth international Jaydee Canvot on a four-year deal. At 19, he is not considered a direct replacement for Guehi at this stage. Guehi had even completed his Palace exit video prior to the transfer collapsing.
Liverpool had submitted a deal sheet to extend negotiations by two hours past the 7pm deadline, but ultimately, the move is dead, leaving the England international to remain at Selhurst Park.
His long-term future remains uncertain, as he is in the final year of his contract and has told Palace he does not want to extend it.
Frank discussions took place between Palace chairman Steve Parish and Glasner on Monday. Glasner, who guided the Eagles to their first major trophy by winning the FA Cup in May, was determined to retain his defensive talisman, particularly as Palace embark on their first-ever European campaign in the Conference League.
Speaking after Sunday’s Premier League 3-0 win over Aston Villa, Glasner explained the reasoning behind the decision:
“We had a meeting in March and we had an agreement that we’re just selling Marc if we have the right replacement in. And we wanted to have this replacement at the beginning of the season, the pre-season, to be independent from this situation. This was July 9, today is August 31, there is no replacement in the building. So it is clear that one part of the agreement is not fulfilled, that means we can’t sell Marc.
And it’s not for Oliver Glasner. It’s not a gift or a wish for Oliver Glasner. It’s necessary for playing a successful season. We had a great start, we are the first time European football and I think our fans deserve to have the best players available.”
And know, if we don’t sell Marc then Marc will accept it. Because he loves Crystal Palace, he loves the team and we feel the appreciation he has and he also feels the same from his side.”
For Liverpool, the failed transfer is a significant disappointment, denying them the final piece in what would have been a near-perfect window.
The Reds have retained Joe Gomez despite late interest from AC Milan and have bolstered their backline with Italian teenager Giovanni Leoni from Parma, as well as Wataru Endo’s versatility in midfield and defence, leaving them well-stocked at centre-back for now.
The focus now shifts to whether Liverpool will return for Guehi in January, or wait until the end of the season when he could be signed on a free transfer. For now, Guehi remains at Selhurst Park, forced to put his personal ambitions on hold while Palace continue their historic first campaign in European competition.
Liverpool’s summer, which looked so close to perfection, ultimately died in the final hour.
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