Liverpool Miss Out on Top Target Marc Guehi After Summer Collapse

Liverpool’s failed Guehi move has become a major talking point as the Reds face the consequences of missing out on one of their most coveted defensive targets. The club’s inability to finalize a deal for Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi during the summer transfer window has significantly complicated their defensive planning, and experts now warn that the opportunity may be gone for good.

Liverpool’s Failed Guehi Move: What Went Wrong?

Liverpool’s pursuit of Marc Guehi seemed promising as the summer window drew to a close. Having reportedly agreed on personal terms with the England international, Liverpool were confident they could seal the deal. However, Crystal Palace’s refusal to sell—after failing to secure a suitable replacement—brought negotiations to a screeching halt. The Reds were left without the reinforcement they needed, particularly given the ongoing fitness and contract uncertainties surrounding Ibrahima Konate and the unfortunate injury to Giovanni Leoni.

The decision to delay negotiations until the final hours of the window has been heavily criticized within Anfield, with insiders admitting that waiting so long made them vulnerable to setbacks. This lack of early action has forced Liverpool into a season with a thinner centre-back lineup than planned.

Liverpool Told: “They Blew Their Chance” at Signing Guehi

Former Liverpool midfielder Don Hutchison did not hold back when assessing the club’s failure to land Guehi, stating bluntly that they “blew their chance.” In his interview with Sportscasting.com, Hutchison argued that Liverpool “should have just paid the fee,” emphasizing that the defender’s versatility and leadership would have transformed Liverpool’s back line. He compared Liverpool’s situation to Arsenal’s secure center-back options, suggesting that with Guehi, the Reds could have enjoyed similar defensive stability and flexibility.

Hutchison also pointed out that waiting too long forced Liverpool into a weaker negotiating position, making it much harder to revive talks now that European giants are circling.

Guehi Free to Talk with European Clubs in January

The situation is further complicated by the contractual landscape. With Guehi’s current deal expiring in June 2026, he is permitted to negotiate a pre-contract agreement with non-English clubs as early as January. This gives Bayern Munich and Barcelona—both reportedly interested in the England defender—a significant head start. These clubs can offer lucrative signing-on bonuses and the certainty of a summer move, both of which could strongly sway Guehi’s decision.

Crystal Palace, meanwhile, are believed to prefer letting Guehi leave on a free transfer rather than accepting a cut-price fee in January, effectively putting control in the player’s hands. This scenario leaves Liverpool facing the prospect of being completely outmaneuvered by their European rivals.

Strategic Lessons for Liverpool’s Defensive Planning

The Guehi saga has prompted serious reflection at Anfield regarding the club’s transfer strategy under Arne Slot and sporting director Richard Hughes. Delaying defensive reinforcements, despite clear warning signs over Konate’s contract and the aging squad profile, has now proven costly. With Guehi’s market value soaring and competition intensifying, an achievable signing has become a much steeper challenge.

Liverpool are now evaluating other defensive targets, such as Alessandro Bastoni, Nico Schlotterbeck, and Willian Pacho. However, each alternative comes with its own set of financial and competitive hurdles, further underscoring why Guehi was seen as an ideal fit.

What’s Next for Liverpool?

As the January window approaches, Liverpool must weigh their options carefully. With Guehi likely unavailable until summer—and possibly already committed to a European club—the Reds must act decisively to avoid a repeat of this costly misstep. Failure to secure a high-caliber centre-back could undermine their ambitions for a top-four finish and cast further doubts on their strategic direction.

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Opinion: Liverpool’s Transfer Hesitation Proves Costly

Missing out on Marc Guehi is a clear example of how transfer indecision can have far-reaching consequences. With the defender’s stock rising and European clubs ready to swoop, Liverpool’s delay could well haunt them for several seasons. If the Reds are to return to title contention, future windows must see swifter, more decisive action.