Liverpool have stepped up their pursuit of Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi, with the centre-back’s future at Selhurst Park becoming increasingly uncertain.
Guehi has just one year remaining on his contract and the England international does not appear to be keen on resigning with the FA Cup and Community Shield winners.
Palace chairman Steve Parish admitted earlier this week that the club may be forced to sell him to avoid losing him on a free transfer next summer.
Guehi has been strongly linked with Liverpool over the course of the window, with Fabrizio Romano reporting on Tuesday (August 12) that the Reds have agreed personal terms with the Palace captain.
The 25-year-old played a pivotal role in Palace’s historic 2023-24 campaign, captaining the Eagles to their first-ever major trophy with FA Cup success before leading them to a Community Shield shoot-out win over Liverpool on Sunday (August 10).
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The Reds are looking to seal the deal before the transfer window closes, and with Parish admitting that Palace may have to sell, a move to Anfield seems imminent.
How Guehi would fit into Arne Slot’s XI remains to be seen, though, as the two starting centre-back spots are currently occupied by club captain Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate.
With the 2026 FIFA World Cup less than 12 months away, guaranteed minutes will undoubtedly be a key factor for Guehi, who is looking to cement his spot at the heart of England’s defence.
Liverpool are also in talks to sign 18-year-old Parma centre-back Giovanni Leoni, who is viewed as a prospect for the future rather than a direct alternative to Guehi.
Guehi joined Palace from Chelsea in 2021 and has made over 150 appearances for the club, becoming a massive fan favourite during his time at Selhurst Park.
The England international was the subject of immense transfer speculation last summer, with bids for his signature going as high as £65 million, but Palace held out on selling their captain, which proved to be the right decision in the end.
But with just 12 months left on his deal, the Eagles would be smart to look for a sale, reportedly valuing Guehi around £40 million.
Liverpool, however, will be hoping to negotiate a cut-price deal given the fact that Palace would certainly not want to lose him on a free next summer.
The Reds have been on a massive spending spree this summer, cashing out over £260 million to bring in Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong, Hugo Ekitike, and Milos Kerkez, among others.
They have also seen a £110 million bid for Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak rejected, though given the striker’s recent comments, a move away from St. James’ Park seems highly likely.
Palace face Chelsea in their opening Premier League fixture on Sunday (August 17), while Liverpool kick their season off on Friday against Bournemouth.
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