Liverpool Given Boost in Guehi Pursuit – But Deal Hangs on One Major Factor
Liverpool’s chances of signing Marc Guehi this summer have improved, as Newcastle United appear to have shifted their focus elsewhere. However, any deal for the Crystal Palace defender hinges on Liverpool changing their current transfer approach.
Under new head coach Arne Slot, Liverpool have already had two offers for Guehi turned down by Palace. The Reds are not currently planning a third bid, and Palace remain firm on their valuation of the England international.
Newcastle, who have previously failed in attempts to sign Guehi, could have capitalised on Liverpool’s hesitation. But they now seem to be targeting AC Milan defender Malick Thiaw instead. According to Sky Sport Germany, the Magpies have submitted a £26 million offer for the German centre-back.
Palace are reportedly demanding close to £50 million for Guehi, despite the player entering the final year of his contract. Unless Liverpool are willing to return with a significantly higher offer, the defender is likely to remain at Selhurst Park for the upcoming season.
The Reds’ need for defensive reinforcements has grown after the sale of Jarell Quansah to Bayer Leverkusen. Although Ibrahima Konaté could ease the situation by extending his contract beyond 2026, Liverpool still look short at centre-back.
Captain Virgil van Dijk recently turned 34, and Joe Gomez has struggled with consistency and injuries, featuring in 30+ league games only once in the last five seasons. In pre-season, Wataru Endo has been trialled in central defence, while Andy Robertson might be shifted inside following the arrival of Milos Kerkez. Nevertheless, a senior centre-back addition remains a possibility.
Liverpool have been linked with several younger defensive prospects, including Ecuadorian Joel Ordonez (Club Brugge), Konstantinos Koulierakis (Wolfsburg), and Giovanni Leoni. Of the three, Koulierakis is the oldest at 21, which raises questions about whether the squad needs a more experienced figure at the back.
The Merseyside club has already invested over £200 million this window, strengthening in multiple areas. New signings include full-backs Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez, as well as attackers Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike — with Mohamed Salah expected to miss time due to the Africa Cup of Nations. Departures include Luis Diaz and Trent Alexander-Arnold.
Liverpool face Crystal Palace in the Community Shield on Sunday, before kicking off their Premier League campaign against Bournemouth at Anfield next Friday.
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