Liverpool confident of signing Marc Guehi in 2026 despite transfer collapse
Liverpool are increasingly confident they will secure the signing of Marc Guehi in 2026, despite missing out on the England defender this summer and ruling out a January bid. According to transfer insider Fabrizio Romano, the Reds have a clear long-term strategy in place to bring the Crystal Palace star to Anfield.
The summer transfer window saw Liverpool come remarkably close to securing Guehi’s signature. A £35 million package had been agreed with Crystal Palace, a deal that also included a 10 percent sell-on clause for the Eagles. Guehi had even passed a medical and agreed personal terms, making the move appear all but finalized. However, the transfer collapsed at the last moment when Palace were unable to land their chosen replacement, Igor. Without a suitable player to fill the gap left by Guehi’s departure, the London side had no option but to call off the deal, leaving Liverpool frustrated after weeks of negotiations.
In the aftermath of the failed transfer, speculation grew that Liverpool might return for Guehi in January, particularly as Palace were thought to be considering lowering their asking price to avoid losing him for free in the near future. Despite this, sources close to the club insist that Liverpool will not pursue the deal mid-season. Instead, the Anfield hierarchy are focused on a long-term plan, with 2026 seen as the right moment to finalize the move. For Liverpool, patience may prove to be the key, as they aim to strike a deal on their own terms while ensuring the squad remains balanced in the meantime.
Guehi’s rise to prominence has been impressive. Since joining Crystal Palace, the 25-year-old defender has made 161 appearances, contributing nine goals and four assists. His consistency in the Premier League has made him one of the most reliable defenders in English football, combining composure on the ball with strong leadership qualities at the back. These performances have not gone unnoticed by England manager, who has handed him 24 international caps so far. Guehi has shown he can compete at the highest level, and a move to a club like Liverpool would be a natural next step in his career progression.
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For Liverpool, signing Guehi represents more than just strengthening their defense. With key players approaching the later stages of their careers, the Reds are looking for long-term solutions who can anchor the backline for years to come. Guehi fits the profile perfectly: young, experienced, and already proven in both domestic and international football. Fabrizio Romano has emphasized that Liverpool remain determined to make the deal happen and are confident the player will eventually wear the red shirt at Anfield.
While supporters may be disappointed that the transfer fell apart this summer, Liverpool’s confidence in eventually signing Guehi suggests this is only a matter of time. With Palace unlikely to hold onto their star defender indefinitely, and Guehi himself eager to continue his rise at the top level, all roads seem to point toward a move to Anfield in 2026.
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Should Liverpool make a move for Marc Guehi?
Bologna-born Giuseppe Bianchi has spent more than a decade living in Rome and writing about Italian football, Spanish football and the Premier League for various Italian football portals and now he writes about European football for Euro Football Rumours. He's been thinking about football transfers pretty much nonstop since the 1990 FIFA World Cup in Italy. Aside from writing, he likes to spend his time fishing and rock climbing.
