Liverpool were close to signing Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace on transfer deadline day, but the transfer fell through just before the window closed
When Alexander Isak finally sealed his £125 million move to Liverpool on deadline day, there was an undeniable sense of relief at Anfield. It was a signing of a statement that striker Arne Slot had been longing for for months.
But as one saga reached its conclusion, another unraveled in the final hours of the summer season. Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi, long admired by Liverpool’s recruitment team, was ready to follow Isak through the door until everything came crashing down.
Three months later, the consequences of that failure are being felt throughout Liverpool’s backline.
Liverpool’s title defense has been characterized by inconsistency and instability. Although the champions remain within striking distance of Arsenal and Manchester City, the performance is far from convincing.
The Reds conceded soft goals, looked uncertain from set pieces and lacked the composure that once defined their play under Jurgen Klopp. Arne Slot, still in his second season in charge, is confronted with an uncomfortable truth: his team’s biggest weakness lies in the one area Liverpool used to dominate.
Only Virgil van Dijk and Alisson Becker have emerged from the first weeks with their creditworthiness intact. Ibrahima Konaté’s form has declined, Joe Gomez’s reliability remains inconsistent and the new combination of wing-backs has yet to settle down.
Slot’s tactical tinkering, particularly his rotation at right-back, and his insistence on persevering with Milos Kerkez despite the young left-back’s problems, have only added to the sense of chaos.
The injuries have exacerbated the problem. Giovanni Leoni, the Italian teenager who signed with one eye on the future, suffered a season-ending ACL tear in September. As a result, Liverpool only has three central defenders: Van Dijk, Konaté and Gomez.
For a club that is fighting on four fronts, that is dangerously poor. All of this makes the inability to sign Crystal Palace’s captain look increasingly costly.
Liverpool felt they had done enough. The £35 million fee was agreed, personal terms were not an issue and Guehi had even undergone medical treatment in London. The defender had played every minute of the first six league games and expected to become a Liverpool player before the window closed.
But with no replacement secured, Palace pulled the plug in the final hours. Guehi remained at Selhurst Park and Liverpool’s defensive plans went into disarray.
It was a cruel turn for a player who had done everything right. While Isak forced his move from Newcastle by refusing to train and publicly demanding a transfer, Guehi remained professional to the end, leading Palace with dignity and scoring in what many thought would be his farewell match, a 3-0 win over Aston Villa.
As a former Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy observed:
“If he had already kicked a stink out of the team against Parish a few weeks ago, ‘if you don’t give me this opportunity that may never happen to me again’ – all the things Isak and Wissa have done…’
Murphy’s words had a hint of irony. Guehi had done what every manager says he would want: he stayed focused, trained hard and respected his club’s position. Yet professionalism did not bring him his dream move.
For the Reds, he was seen as the perfect long-term partner for Van Dijk, a defender who is stable in possession, strong in duels and experienced in the pressure of the Premier League. His leadership qualities, age profile and versatility across a back four made him the ideal Slot signing.
John Aldridge expressed what many supporters were thinking:
“It was a shame Liverpool couldn’t get a deal done for Marc Guehi, although I expect them to make another attempt in January.”
Sources close to the club claim interest has not disappeared. Liverpool still view him as their top defensive target ahead of the summer transfer window the next logical opportunity.
By then, Palace may be more willing to negotiate, especially if they are no longer in Europe and can find a replacement. Guehi’s desire to play Champions League football remains undiminished.
Liverpool’s defensive problems go deeper than one failed transfer. Slot’s side have already conceded six more goals than Arsenal and four more than Manchester City, with the backline still adjusting to the loss of Trent Alexander-Arnold and the introduction of new wing-backs Jeremy Frimpong and Kerkez.
Gomez and Konaté have both been linked with a possible exit for Gomez to AC Milan, with Konaté reportedly attracting interest from Real Madrid. That uncertainty has led to unrest around a once stable department.
Behind the scenes, Slot and sporting director Richard Hughes are believed to be reassessing Liverpool’s defensive priorities for January. There remains admiration for Guehi’s maturity, but also the realization that the club also needs reinforcement in the short term.
The contrasting fortunes of Isak and Guehi have reignited a familiar debate in modern football: should players be rewarded for professionalism, or for forcing the issue?
Isak got his move, Guehi didn’t. Yet few doubt which player handled himself with greater integrity.
In time, Guehi’s patience may pay off. For now, Liverpool’s needs are much greater than his. Slot’s team looks vulnerable and tired and is one setback away from collapse.
If the Reds are to remain serious contenders for both the Premier League and Champions League, January could define their season and Marc Guehi’s name will once again be at the top of their list.
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