Premier League
The Community Shield match this Sunday between Liverpool and Crystal Palace will not only kick off the season officially in England but could also mark a key point in the transfer market.
After the game, both clubs are expected to resume negotiations for Marc Guéhi, one of the most sought-after central defenders in the Premier League at the moment.
The 25-year-old English defender is at the center of a potential transfer that could shake up the domestic market. As per reports in England, Palace stands firm on their demand: £45 million as the asking price. This figure, considering Guehi's last year of contract, represents an ambitious stance by the London club, as confirmed by Mail Sports.
Arne Slot had already shown interest in signing Marc Guéhi last season.
Liverpool's interest in Guehi is not new. Anfield has been observing his progress for some time, especially since he established himself as a key player for Crystal Palace and earned a place in the English national team. His ability to anticipate, strength in the air, and composure on the ball align with the profile the coaching staff is seeking to strengthen the defense.
Liverpool is aware of the demanding schedule ahead in the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup, and Carabao Cup. They aim to add a central defender who can provide assurance from the get-go. Guehi, having played over 100 games for Palace since joining in 2021 from Chelsea, fits those criteria.
The negotiation won't be straightforward. Crystal Palace is firm on not losing one of their defensive leaders without significant compensation. Although the player's contract expires in summer 2026.
Liverpool, on their part, has no intention of entering a bidding war. The club prioritizes financial balance and will not exceed certain figures for a player who, despite potential, hasn't had consistent European competition experience. However, the need to bolster the defense could hasten the discussions.
All signs point to negotiations happening after today's opening match of the English season. This setting will allow both management teams to meet face-to-face and evaluate the situation.
If positions draw closer, Liverpool could make a formal offer in the coming days, though the possibility of other Premier League clubs or even foreign ones joining the bidding if they see the operation as feasible cannot be ruled out.
Crystal Palace remains firm for now. They view Guéhi as a key player, both in sporting and economic terms, and are in no rush to sell. Besides, the player shares a good relationship with the club, preventing public tensions.
From a sporting perspective, losing their key central defender would prompt Crystal Palace to move swiftly in the market to find a reliable replacement, which in the peak of August is not always easy. Therefore, any agreement would be subject to finding a suitable replacement.
If the transfer goes through, it would be one of the most significant defensive moves in this English market. Guéhi would arrive at Liverpool with the mission to provide freshness, competition, and stability to a defense that has had ups and downs in recent seasons.
For the player, it would be a significant step in his career, transitioning from a mid-table aspiring team winning the UEFA Conference League to one competing for titles in Europe. The opportunity to work under an elite coach and alongside top-level players could be decisive in his decision.
For now, everything rests on what unfolds in the coming hours. The Community Shield will be, for fans, a prelude to the league start; for Liverpool and Crystal Palace, it could be the starting point of a negotiation that, if successful, will generate much discussion in this transfer market.
This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, El Liverpool se lanza por el fichaje de Marc Guéhi
