Marc Guehi: Why Liverpool Failed to Sign Crystal Palace Defender
- Marc Guehi can now leave Crystal Palace as a free agent next year after his big-money transfer to Liverpool collapsed
- Supporters took to social platforms to voice their opinions on Guehi’s Liverpool deal falling through
- Marc Guehi was pivotal in Crystal Palace's FA Cup triumph last season against Pep Guardiola's Manchester City
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Liverpool failed to sign prime defensive target Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace as the summer transfer window closed on Monday, September 1.
The Premier League champions were on the verge of landing Guehi after reportedly agreeing on a £35 million fee with Crystal Palace for their captain.
Source: Getty Images
Arne Slot’s men had filed a deal sheet before the 19:00 BST deadline on Monday, securing an extra two hours to finalise the transfer. In the end, the highly-rated centre-back remained at Selhurst Park, with Liverpool likely to reignite their interest in January or next summer.
According to Transfermarkt, the ex-Chelsea defender has only a year left on his current deal, and his future with Glasner’s side is still uncertain, meaning Guehi, instrumental in Palace’s historic FA Cup triumph last season, could walk away for free next summer.
Source: Getty Images
Why Liverpool failed to sign Guehi
Crystal Palace reportedly scrapped Marc Guehi’s potential transfer to Liverpool amid concerns that manager Oliver Glasner might resign if the defender was sold on deadline day.
According to The Guardian, Glasner engaged in tense discussions with chairman Steve Parish, stressing that Guehi, 25, had to stay at Selhurst Park as the club had not secured a suitable replacement.
The report adds that the Eagles’ hierarchy feared the Austrian coach could quit if the England international went through with a late move to Anfield, where Antoine Semenyo reportedly was subjected to racial abuse during a Liverpool vs Bournemouth Premier League match.
Meanwhile, Guehi is expected to be part of England’s squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Andorra and Serbia this month. After the international break, Palace face newly-promoted Sunderland on September 13, while Liverpool head to Burnley a day later.
Reactions of Liverpool fans
After confirmation that Marc Guehi is staying at Crystal Palace, some Liverpool fans flocked to social media to share their reactions, as reproduced below.
''Marc Guehi is similar to Joel Matip in his ability to bring the ball out from the back while under pressure. He’s going to play a huge role in Arne Slot’s system.''
''At least no will blame ISAK, GYOKERES & WISSA for forcing their move, they understood the assignment. He acted professional, showed up in training. Gave his best every match. And they denied him his dream move because he was well behaved. I hope the other players learn this lesson.''
''Not Everything we want can be achieved. And this exactly proves it. Also remember Liverpool fans, everytime we definitely get at least one L in the transfer window and then goes onto win trophies.....We still have a great squad.''
''Crystal Palace pulling the plug on Guehi’s move to Liverpool makes total sense, why let go of your captain and best defender when your replacement (Igor) falls through at the last second? It’s a classic case of poor planning from Liverpool, banking on a domino effect that didn’t pan out.
"Palace were smart to prioritise squad stability over a big payday, especially with 40% of their starting XI already homegrown. But let’s be real, should Liverpool have acted earlier, or is this just another transfer window L they’ll laugh off on their way to silverware?''
Alexander Isak breaks silence
YEN.com.gh previously reported on Alexander Isak addressing his Newcastle future before sealing his move to Liverpool.
The Swedish international, who racked up 62 goals in 109 games for the Magpies, did not make any appearances this season before completing his dream transfer to Liverpool, who honoured Diogo Jota remarkably on Premier League's opening day.
Source: YEN.com.gh
