Marc Guehi is staying at Crystal Palace

A long-running saga is over until January...

Liverpool's attempt to sign Crystal Palace's Marc Guehi on transfer deadline day has fallen through.

Author | Peter Jobes

A deal was agreed after the clubs reached a compromise on the fee for Guehi, with Liverpool having originally tabled an offer of £35m, plus a 10 percent sell-on clause.

How the saga unfolded

He was meant to be one of two Liverpool signings on transfer deadline day, after the Reds also bid for striker Alexander Isak from Newcastle United. 

Following the arrivals of Isak (still to be confirmed), Hugo Ekitike, Milos Kerkez, Jeremie Frimpong, Giorgi Mamardashvili, Armin Pecsi and Giovanni Leoni, the signing of Guehi takes Liverpool’s spending will still be around £419 million, excluding add-on fees, setting a new record for the highest total in Premier League history.

Guehi captained Palace to a 3-0 win at Aston Villa in was was originally meant to be the last of his 162 games for the London club. 

Why were Liverpool so desperate for this signing?

He emerged as a primary target for Liverpool this summer following Jarrell Quansah’s move from Anfield to Bayer Leverkusen.

Liverpool’s defence has come under scrutiny after conceding six goals in their opening three league fixtures. They were beaten on penalties by Palace, with Guehi captaining the side at Wembley, and twice surrendered two-goal leads in the Premier League against Bournemouth and Newcastle before recovering to secure victories.

Marc Guehi remained committed to Crystal Palace despite Liverpool's interest

Guehi playing for Palace against Liverpool in 2024

He produced an impressive performance in the Community Shield, only leaving the field in the closing seconds due to cramp, and has continued to play a pivotal role in the club’s early season despite ongoing speculation about his future. Guehi has completed 90 minutes in all six of Palace’s matches across three competitions, including the Conference League, marking the Eagles’ return to European football.

Palace qualified for the Conference League after defeating Manchester City in the FA Cup final, the club’s first major trophy, lifted by Guehi. Having entered the final year of his contract, many expected him to depart for Anfield but he will now remain in South London until January at least. 

Guehi joined Palace from Chelsea in the summer of 2021, spending four years at Selhurst Park. He also established himself in the senior England squad, playing a key role in their run to the final of Euro 2024.