Sources clarify reality behind explosive Marc Guehi–Liverpool transfer meeting claims
Claims that Marc Guehi’s representatives have held talks with Liverpool this week over a potential move to Anfield are wide of the mark. The Crystal Palace defender is in no rush to decide his future and is content to wait before choosing his next club, with sources indicating that no fewer than 13 teams are currently tracking his situation.
The England international, now 25, is shaping up to be one of the most sought-after defenders ahead of the 2026 transfer window. His Palace contract expires next summer, and Guehi has already informed the club that he has no intention of signing a new deal. Although Liverpool had agreed a £35m fee with Palace on deadline day back in September — a move that ultimately collapsed when Palace pulled out — the Reds remain strongly interested and Fenway Sports Group are expected to renew their pursuit next year.
Speculation intensified on Wednesday after social media reports suggested Guehi’s agent was travelling to Liverpool for talks. However, sources close to the player have told TEAMtalk that there is no urgency from Guehi’s side, as he prefers to weigh up all available options.
One source explained: “Marc is focused on his football and is very pleased with how things are going. His priority is Palace and England, especially with the World Cup approaching. He’s left his representatives to manage discussions, and they’ve made it clear he’ll have his pick of clubs. If he leaves on a free transfer, he could be one of the most in-demand free agents ever — and that’s exactly how it’s shaping up.”
TEAMtalk transfer correspondent Graeme Bailey has also revealed that Guehi’s camp effectively reset negotiations following the failed Liverpool move last summer. Bailey said: “Once the Liverpool deal fell through in September, everything was wiped clean. All interested clubs were informed that the process would start again from scratch. Liverpool knew this and felt last summer was probably their best opportunity, as no other club was in a position to complete a deal at the time. They still want him and could yet land him in 2026, but there are now more than a dozen serious contenders.”
Bailey added that Guehi and his representatives are deliberately taking their time, with no intention of rushing into an agreement.
Interest is extensive, with all but one of the Premier League’s ‘big six’ — Liverpool, Chelsea, Manchester City, Manchester United and Tottenham — having expressed a willingness to offer terms. Arsenal are the exception, despite Mikel Arteta’s admiration, with the club comfortable after securing Gabriel and William Saliba on long-term deals.
Beyond England, major European giants are also circling. Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid, Barcelona, Bayern Munich, PSG, Juventus, Inter Milan and Galatasaray have all registered interest ahead of potential talks from January. Bayern Munich are understood to be leading the charge, with their hierarchy pushing hard and Harry Kane personally attempting to convince his England teammate to move to Germany. Barcelona have also made two formal approaches in recent weeks.
Crystal Palace could still opt to sell in January if a strong offer arrives, although manager Oliver Glasner played down that possibility this week, stating ahead of Thursday’s Conference League clash with KuPS: “I think Marc will stay until the end of the season.”