Liverpool’s £45m transfer pursuit may be delayed as Slot’s target is content to remain at current club.

Liverpool’s efforts to strengthen their defence this summer may face a significant setback, as one of their primary targets appears in no rush to move.

According to Jacob Steinberg of The Guardian, Marc Guehi is open to remaining at Crystal Palace for the final year of his contract if the right offer doesn’t come along. Despite being available this summer — having ruled out signing an extension — the 24-year-old is determined to move on his own terms.

This puts Liverpool in a tricky position. The club is reportedly eyeing a move for the England international once Jarell Quansah finalises a £30 million transfer to Bayer Leverkusen. With Quansah’s likely departure, Liverpool could lose a reliable, versatile defender who made 25 appearances last season — making reinforcements essential.

Guehi, fresh off a key role in Palace’s FA Cup win, is focused on maintaining regular playing time to secure his spot in Thomas Tuchel’s England squad ahead of the 2026 World Cup. While a move to Liverpool would offer the opportunity to play under Arne Slot and challenge for trophies, breaking into a centre-back pairing of Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate could prove difficult.

Van Dijk has just signed a new contract and remains a cornerstone of the team at 33, while Konate — despite being in the final year of his deal — continues to struggle with injuries, which might open doors for rotation.

Liverpool have already brought in Florian Wirtz this summer but could still look to reinforce the backline further, especially considering Joe Gomez’s injury history and Konate’s uncertain future.

Still, The Guardian notes that Guehi “will not be rushed” into deciding his next move. If no suitable option emerges, he’s prepared to run down his contract, potentially leaving Palace on a free transfer next summer or signing a pre-contract with a foreign club in January — a scenario that might pressure Palace to lower their £45m asking price.

Should Liverpool intensify their pursuit, it remains to be seen whether the allure of joining the Premier League champions will outweigh the promise of guaranteed game time elsewhere.