Chelsea give up on Marc Guéhi, and Liverpool become favorites to sign the defender
Liverpool have emerged as front-runners to secure the signing of Marc Guéhi after Chelsea decided to withdraw from the race. The 23-year-old centre-back, currently at Crystal Palace, has just one year remaining on his contract, and his future has become one of the key talking points of the summer transfer window.
According to reports, Liverpool value Guéhi at around £40 million (€46.9m) and see him as a major target to bolster their defensive line ahead of the new season. Chelsea, meanwhile, despite facing a defensive setback with Levi Colwill’s ACL injury, have shifted their focus to alternative options. Manager Enzo Maresca confirmed: “We’re looking for different solutions” but Guéhi is not part of their plans.
A Highly Sought-After Defender
Interest in Guéhi is not new. Last season, Newcastle United made three separate offers for the player, all of which were rejected. Tottenham Hotspur also tried to secure his signature, submitting a £70 million (€81.9m) bid, which was turned down just months before Palace’s FA Cup triumph.
At Liverpool, new head coach Arne Slot is eager to strengthen the back line, especially with Real Madrid showing interest in Ibrahima Konaté. Guéhi’s arrival could add depth and stability, and the club sees him as a strong fit for their long-term defensive strategy.
Contractual Uncertainty at Crystal Palace
The situation at Selhurst Park is complex. Both Guéhi and manager Oliver Glasner have just one year left on their current deals. Ahead of the FA Cup final, Glasner commented: “Marc and I have the same fate. But I can’t speak for Marc.”
Since joining Crystal Palace from Chelsea in 2021, Guéhi signed a five-year deal but has consistently declined renewal offers, suggesting he is waiting for the right opportunity to take the next step in his career.
Crystal Palace Stand Firm on Negotiations
While Liverpool are keen to close the deal, Palace are not making it easy. The London club has made it clear they prefer a straight cash sale over player-exchange proposals. They have already rejected Liverpool’s idea of including Ben Doak, the promising 19-year-old winger, in a potential swap.
Palace’s stance is to secure maximum funds to reinvest in their own squad, while Liverpool continue to prepare an improved offer. In the meantime, Guéhi is set to face his potential future club when Palace meet Liverpool in the Community Shield at Wembley this Sunday.
With the transfer window heating up, the race for Marc Guéhi could be one of the defining defensive sagas of the summer.
