Liverpool to delay pursuit of Marc Guehi until summer after deadline-day collapse

Liverpool will not attempt to sign Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi in the January transfer window and will instead wait to revive interest once his contract expires next summer, according to reports.

The England international was widely linked with a move to Anfield throughout the summer, and deals between the clubs appeared to progress during the window. Guehi, 25, who captained Palace to last season’s FA Cup triumph over Manchester City, was reported to have undergone a medical on deadline day as he prepared to sign a five-year contract with Liverpool. The transfer collapsed at the last minute after Palace manager Oliver Glasner blocked the move, the club saying they had been unable to secure a suitable replacement.

Despite the collapse of the proposed £35 million deal, Liverpool remain understood to be interested in Guehi. The Times reported the club will bide its time and pursue the defender only after his current contract with Palace runs out. Palace chairman Steve Parish had earlier acknowledged the club could not afford to lose Guehi on a free transfer when his contract ends.

Arne Slot, Liverpool’s manager, has been linked with a move for Guehi throughout the transfer window, and discussions between the clubs following the Community Shield were described as positive. However, Palace’s inability to identify a replacement forced Glasner’s intervention and left Liverpool to look at alternative options during the summer.

Liverpool did strengthen their defensive ranks this summer, completing the £26 million signing of Giovanni Leoni from Parma. The 18-year-old Italian centre back, who stands around 6ft 5in, broke through in Serie A last season and attracted interest from clubs across Italy and England. Liverpool’s sporting director, Richard Hughes, has described Leoni as one of the best young defenders on the market. The club views Leoni as a potential long-term successor to captain Virgil van Dijk, who will be 36 when his current contract expires.

The decision to defer a move for Guehi reflects Liverpool’s assessment of the transfer landscape and the financial and sporting risks of pursuing a player before a contract runs down, with Palace determined to retain their captain unless a proper replacement could be secured. Guehi’s combination of Premier League experience and international appearances had made him a sought-after target, but contractual timing and Palace’s squad planning combined to keep him at Selhurst Park for now.

If Guehi’s contract does run down and he becomes available next summer, Liverpool would face renewed competition from other clubs monitoring the defender’s situation. For Palace, maintaining stability at the back this season will be a priority after last-minute manoeuvring on deadline day, while Liverpool will integrate Leoni into their plans and postpone any fresh approach for Guehi until they can pursue him without disrupting Palace’s season.