Palace Captain Guehi Linked to Anfield Move

Liverpool have initiated preliminary discussions to sign Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi this summer, as the England international enters the final year of his contract. Palace chairman Steve Parish recently confirmed the club may sell the defender to avoid losing him on a free transfer next summer.

Transfer Dynamics and Player Considerations

BBC Sport sources indicate Liverpool are actively pursuing the 25-year-old center-back before the transfer window closes. However, several factors could influence the potential move:

• Playing Time: As a Palace regular and England international, Guehi will prioritize first-team opportunities, especially in a World Cup year
• Financial Terms: Personal contract details remain a key negotiation point
• Competition: Liverpool are also targeting 18-year-old Parma defender Giovanni Leoni as a future prospect

Guehi's Career Profile

The defender has established himself as a key player since joining Palace from Chelsea in 2021:

• 150+ appearances for Crystal Palace
• 23 England caps since his 2022 debut
• Euro 2024 finalist with England
• Previously subject of £65m Newcastle bid

Transfer Valuation and Club Positions

The two clubs currently differ on valuation:

• Palace: Seeking £40m for their captain
• Liverpool: Aiming to negotiate a lower fee

This potential signing would contribute to Liverpool's significant summer spending, which has already reached £270m (offset by £170m in player sales). The club has also made an unsuccessful £110m bid for Newcastle's Alexander Isak, who reportedly remains keen on an Anfield move.

Transfer Analysis: Limited Options for Palace

The situation presents Palace with difficult choices:

• Liverpool appears as Guehi's only serious suitor this summer
• Palace faces losing their captain for free in 2025 if no deal is reached
• A compromise around £35m plus add-ons seems probable
• Club chairman Steve Parish reluctantly accepts the inevitable sale

With Guehi unlikely to sign a new contract, Palace must now decide between accepting Liverpool's terms or risking losing their defensive stalwart without compensation next summer.