Marc Guehi will remain at Crystal Palace after a proposed £35 million transfer to Liverpool fell through on deadline day.
The England defender travelled to complete a medical with Liverpool following an agreement between the two clubs over the fee and a five year contract was prepared. Palace even allowed a deal sheet to be lodged with the Premier League in time to meet the deadline.
However the transfer collapsed when Palace failed to bring in a replacement defender before the window closed. With no incoming cover secured the club hierarchy decided they could not sanction the sale of their captain.
The decision leaves Guehi as a central figure at Selhurst Park where he has worn the armband since the summer. Palace see the 25 year old as a cornerstone of their defence and manager Oliver Glasner has made clear his importance both on and off the pitch.
Liverpool’s move was driven by a desire to strengthen Jurgen Klopp’s defensive options following injuries in recent months. Guehi had been identified as a priority target after establishing himself as one of the Premier League’s most reliable centre backs. Talks had accelerated on deadline day with optimism on Merseyside that the deal would be concluded before the cut off.
Instead Palace’s late stance means Guehi remains in south London for at least the first half of the season. Liverpool are expected to maintain their interest and could return in January if Palace are able to source a replacement.
Guehi joined Palace from Chelsea in 2021 for £18 million and has since developed into one of the most consistent defenders in the division. His form was rewarded with a call up to Gareth Southgate’s England squad and he featured at Euro 2024 during the summer.
For Palace his retention is a major boost with supporters fearing the loss of their captain so late in the window. For Liverpool the collapse leaves a gap in their recruitment strategy and forces Klopp to rely on existing options until the new year.