Chelsea withdraw from the race for Marc Guehi, leaving Liverpool in pole position

Chelsea have decided to pull out of the transfer battle for Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi, clearing the way for Liverpool and other European giants to push ahead.

Chelsea Step Back From Negotiations

According to TeamTalk, Chelsea’s board concluded that signing a new central defender is not an immediate priority. After assessing squad needs, the club chose to remove Guehi from their shortlist, effectively ending their pursuit.

The Blues’ withdrawal simplifies the transfer race, which had been shaping into a Premier League tug-of-war between Stamford Bridge and Anfield.

Liverpool Maintain Interest — But Not in January

Liverpool remain interested in the England international but are unlikely to submit a formal bid during the January window. Instead, the Reds plan to wait until Guehi’s contract situation opens the door for a free transfer in 2026.

Manager Arne Slot is keen to strengthen his back line for the long term, but the club is expected to stay patient while monitoring developments closely.

European Giants Enter the Frame

While Chelsea’s exit clears the path domestically, Liverpool face stiff competition from abroad. Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, and Barcelona have all expressed strong interest in Guehi, seeing him as one of the Premier League’s most reliable young defenders.

With his future at Crystal Palace increasingly uncertain, the 24-year-old is widely expected to secure a move to a European heavyweight in the next transfer cycle.