As Liverpool continue their reign as Premier League champions under Arne Slot, the club’s recruitment strategy has been both ambitious and calculated, with a clear focus on maintaining their competitive edge. The impending departure of Jarell Quansah to Bayer Leverkusen for around £35 million has left a gap in the center-back department, and Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi has emerged as a prime candidate to fill it. At 24, the England international offers a compelling blend of Premier League experience, leadership, and technical ability. But would he be a good fit for Liverpool’s system and ambitions? Let’s break it down.
🚨🏴 𝐁𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐊𝐈𝐍𝐆: Liverpool are closing in on a deal to sign Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace, reports @DaveOCKOP. 🔴⌛️ pic.twitter.com/8nP8dSaIju
— Tekkers Foot (@tekkersfoot) June 26, 2025
Why Guehi Makes Sense for Liverpool
Marc Guehi has established himself as one of the Premier League’s standout center-backs since joining Crystal Palace from Chelsea for £18 million in 2021. With 132 Premier League appearances and four seasons of consistent starts, Guehi brings a wealth of experience despite his relatively young age. His role as Palace’s captain and his 23 caps for England, including standout performances at Euro 2024, underline his ability to perform under pressure at both club and international levels. For a Liverpool side looking to maintain their defensive solidity while planning for the future, Guehi’s track record makes him a low-risk, high-reward option.
Technical Fit for Slot’s System
Arne Slot’s Liverpool relies on defenders who are comfortable in possession, capable of breaking lines with progressive passes, and disciplined in maintaining defensive structure. Guehi excels in these areas. His passing accuracy and ability to play incisive passes rank him in the 98th percentile for through balls and 75th for switches of play among center-backs. Liverpool’s system, which often sees Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konaté initiate attacks with diagonal or forward passes, would benefit from Guehi’s composure and vision. His ability to play on either side of a back four, or even step into midfield when needed, aligns with Slot’s emphasis on positional flexibility.
Leadership and Mentality
At just 24, Guehi has already captained Crystal Palace, a testament to his leadership qualities and maturity. Liverpool value players with strong mental attributes, and Guehi’s ability to remain calm under pressure—described by former coach Michael Beale as “hugely calm” and “astute” in reading the game—would be a significant asset in high-stakes matches. With Virgil van Dijk turning 34 in July 2025 and Ibrahima Konaté’s contract situation uncertain (his deal expires in 2026), Guehi could be a long-term successor to Van Dijk as both a defensive leader and potential captain.
Homegrown Status and Squad Dynamics
Guehi’s status as a homegrown player is a practical advantage for Liverpool, who must adhere to Premier League squad rules. With few homegrown options projected to stay long-term, his inclusion would help balance the squad. Additionally, his reported enthusiasm for a move to Anfield suggests he’s motivated to compete for a starting spot, a crucial factor for a club aiming to defend their title and challenge in Europe.
Contract Situation and Value
With Guehi’s contract entering its final year in 2025, Crystal Palace are under pressure to sell to avoid losing him for free in 2026. Reports suggest a fee in the £40-50 million range, a significant discount from the £70 million bids rejected by Palace last summer. For a player of Guehi’s caliber, this represents excellent value in today’s market, especially compared to less proven options like Jorrel Hato or Castello Lukeba, who could command higher fees. Liverpool’s sporting director, Richard Hughes, is known for shrewd negotiations, and a deal around £40 million could be a masterstroke.
Potential Concern
One notable drawback is Guehi’s aerial duel success rate, which stands at 44.8% (bottom 21% among center-backs), significantly lower than Van Dijk (72.1%) and Konaté (70.8%). Standing at just under 6 feet, Guehi is shorter than Liverpool’s current center-backs, which could be a concern in a busy penalty area against physically imposing strikers. However, his exceptional positioning and anticipation (96th percentile for blocks, second percentile for being dribbled past) often compensate for this weakness. Slot’s shift toward a more technical defensive style may mitigate this concern, prioritizing composure and ball-playing ability over brute physicality.
Competition for a Starting Spot
Guehi has made it clear that regular playing time is a priority, especially with the 2026 World Cup on the horizon. While he would likely see significant minutes at Liverpool, especially with Konaté’s injury history and Van Dijk’s age, there’s no guarantee he’d immediately displace either in the starting XI. His reported reluctance to join Arsenal due to their established center-back pairing of William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes suggests he’d need assurances from Slot about his role. Liverpool’s interest in other young defenders, like Ajax’s Jorrel Hato, indicates they may be exploring multiple options, which could complicate negotiations if Guehi demands a guaranteed starting spot.
Transfer Risks
While Palace’s weakened negotiating position makes a deal feasible, their pursuit of Sporting CP’s Ousmane Diomande as a replacement could delay or inflate the transfer fee. If Palace hold firm at £50 million or above, Liverpool may hesitate, especially after spending over £190 million this summer on players like Florian Wirtz and Jeremie Frimpong. Additionally, competition from clubs like Newcastle and Tottenham could drive up costs, though Guehi’s reported preference for Liverpool gives the Reds an edge.
The Bigger Picture
Guehi’s potential signing aligns with Liverpool’s broader strategy of future-proofing their squad. With Van Dijk aging and Konaté’s future uncertain, adding a player of Guehi’s quality would provide depth, competition, and a long-term solution. His ability to complement Van Dijk’s physical presence with technical finesse and his leadership qualities make him a logical fit for Slot’s vision. Former Everton chief Keith Wyness likened Guehi’s potential impact to Van Dijk’s transformative arrival from Southampton, suggesting a partnership that could dominate for years if both stay fit.
Moreover, Guehi’s signing would signal Liverpool’s ruthless ambition under Slot. The club’s willingness to sell academy graduate Quansah and potentially move on from Konaté reflects a no-nonsense approach to squad-building. As Troy Deeney noted on talkSPORT, Guehi could seamlessly step into Van Dijk’s role in the coming years, ensuring continuity at the heart of the defense.
Verdict: A Smart, Strategic Signing
Marc Guehi ticks nearly every box for Liverpool: Premier League-proven, technically adept, a natural leader, and available at a potentially reduced fee due to his contract situation. While his aerial limitations are a concern, his strengths in possession, game-reading, and versatility outweigh this drawback in Slot’s system. At £40-50 million, he represents a cost-effective investment for a club aiming to dominate domestically and in Europe. If Liverpool can secure him ahead of rivals and assure him of significant playing time, Guehi could prove to be one of the signings of the summer, bolstering a defense poised to defend their title and challenge for Champions League glory.
Would you like to see Guehi at Anfield?
His blend of youth, experience, and leadership makes him a compelling fit, but the final decision will hinge on Liverpool’s ability to navigate Palace’s demands and Guehi’s ambitions. Time will tell if this transfer becomes a reality, but the signs point to a match made in Merseyside.
