This week’s events have opened up new interest in Marc Guehi joining Liverpool after Real Madrid had recently taken over for his childhood dream of going to Anfield.
Premier League ‘superstar’ wants to join Liverpool alongside Antoine Semenyo
Liverpool remain in a strong position to sign Marc Guehi despite growing interest from Barcelona, with the Crystal Palace captain still hoping to complete what he sees as a childhood dream.
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Sources close to the 25-year-old have confirmed that even during Liverpool’s worst run of results in a decade, Guehi remains “very interested” in joining the club. The England international, who has earned 26 caps and established himself as one of the Premier League’s most reliable centre-backs, sees the move as a reward rather than a risk.
The development comes as Barcelona intensify their efforts to secure Guehi on a pre-contract deal. With his current deal expiring next summer, the Catalan giants are legally able to negotiate freely with his representatives before a potential free transfer in 2026.
TEAMtalk reports that Barcelona have contacted Guehi’s camp twice in the last two weeks as they try to convince him to choose LaLiga. Sporting director Deco is said to identify Guehi as an ideal defensive partner for Pau Cubarsí, with the club willing to offer a substantial salary package and a guaranteed starting role under Hansi Flick next season.
The draw of Champions League play-off football and the lifestyle benefits of a move to Spain are factors Barcelona believe could work in their favour.
But those familiar with Guehi’s thinking suggest that Barcelona’s efforts may not be enough to change his long-term ambition to play for Liverpool.
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“Liverpool will always have an attraction for Marc, it’s hard for teams to fight against,” the source said. “He’s been waiting his whole career for the chance to play at the highest possible level.”
This attitude has reportedly given Liverpool renewed confidence that a January transfer is possible, rather than risking the defender opting for a free transfer route in the summer.
Crystal Palace are aware that Guehi – described as a ‘superstar’ by Steve Parish – has turned down two contract extensions, and TEAMtalk reports that the club prefers to make money now rather than lose him for nothing. An amount in the region of £30-35 million is believed to be acceptable for Palace, especially if Liverpool are prepared to include additional clauses and a resale clause.
Talks between Liverpool and Palace are set to resume, with the Eagles open to negotiating terms that benefit both sides.
TEAMtalk states that Real Madrid have now shifted their focus elsewhere, while Bayern Munich are only exploring a potential free transfer rather than a January bid. That leaves Liverpool with a clearer path than they had in August, when a £35m deadline day transfer collapsed.
If Liverpool can quickly agree personal terms – which is expected to be easy given Guehi’s association with the club – a January deal is becoming increasingly realistic.
For a defence struggling with injuries, inconsistency and a lack of leadership, securing Guehi mid-season could prove to be the injection of stability and quality Arne Slot urgently needs, with further reports suggesting they have agreed personal terms with Bournemouth star Antoine Semenyo.
Antoine Semenyo and Marc Guehi have mutual admiration for each other. – This wants the chance for further successful transfers.
