Liverpool set to miss out on Marc Guehi with European giants leading the race

Liverpool’s pursuit of Marc Guehi has taken another turn, and this time it may be permanent. What once looked like a delayed move has transformed into a fiercely contested transfer battle, and Liverpool are suddenly no longer leading the race.

Palace Change Strategy

According to iPaper, “Palace will now look to sell in January, given the interest in Guehi, to avoid losing him for free altogether.” That represents a stark change from their earlier stance, when they insisted on sourcing a replacement before approving his departure. Their strategy now appears to be acceleration rather than resistance.

However, Liverpool’s window to complete a deal may have already closed. “Spanish rivals Barcelona and Real Madrid have tempted Guehi to consider a move abroad,” with Bayern Munich also positioning themselves for a bid. Palace will not entertain discounts either, with “no financial pressure to sell” and Guehi’s form showing no sign of distraction.

Liverpool Forced Into Backup Planning

Liverpool’s need for reinforcement is clear. A setback to Giovanni Leoni, the promising summer signing, has forced a reassessment of defensive depth. The report notes, “Liverpool will almost certainly move for a new centre-back in January to provide cover for skipper Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate.”

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Guehi remains on the list, but contingency plans are being activated. “The Reds see Borussia Dortmund centre-back Nico Schlotterbeck as a potential long-term replacement for Van Dijk,” though that path is no easier. Manchester City, Bayern and Real Madrid reportedly share the same admiration.

Guehi’s Ambition May Be Decisive

There had been hopes at Selhurst Park that Palace’s strong start could change the defender’s mind. “Some senior figures at Palace hoped their side’s fine Premier League form… might persuade Guehi he could fulfil his ambitions at Palace.” Yet iPaper insists, “there has been no such indication from the player himself and he still intends to seek pastures new at the first opportunity.”

The question now is whether Liverpool can sell their sporting project strongly enough to bring him back to the table. Arne Slot’s Premier League title win should give them weight, yet the glamour of La Liga or Bundesliga could prove irresistible.

Risk Of Missing Out Altogether

Liverpool find themselves in the uncomfortable position of chasing a defender who knows he has options. January will not be a bidding war of finances, but of persuasion and long-term vision. Guehi wants clarity, not competition. Liverpool need to decide how badly they want him.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

From a Liverpool perspective this report lands somewhere between frustration and inevitability. Supporters have been excited about Marc Guehi for a while now. He looks like the perfect blend of Premier League experience, calm distribution and leadership upside. Watching him stay at Palace in the summer felt manageable, because the assumption across fanbase and media alike was that Liverpool would simply return in January. Now there is no such guarantee.

The idea of Real Madrid sniffing around is one thing. Add Barcelona and Bayern and suddenly Liverpool move from frontrunner to outsider. That is a dynamic supporters remember all too well from previous sagas. The key question is whether Guehi sees Liverpool as a final destination or merely one of many options. If he wants to be the next Virgil van Dijk, there may be no better platform. If he wants sunshine and fanfare, La Liga holds the trump card.

Schlotterbeck is a fascinating alternative and perhaps even the higher ceiling bet, though he does not arrive with Premier League assurance. For many Reds, Guehi feels like the safer, smarter option. But safety is not always available when Europe’s elite start circling. January is approaching quickly and Liverpool cannot afford another scramble. This has to be decisive.