Crystal Palace's Marc Guehi. (Reuters/Craig Brough)
Liverpool enjoyed an exceptional transfer window this summer, but were unable to complete a late deal for Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi at the final hurdle.
The England international had agreed to join the Premier League champions and was finalising his move to Anfield when Palace pulled the plug in the dying minutes of Deadline Day.
Earlier in the day, the Reds secured the signing of Swedish striker Alexander Isak and expected to strengthen further with Guehi in a deal worth £35m.
However, the Palace skipper – once hailed “exceptional” by journalist Henry Winter – will now remain at Selhurst Park at Oliver Glasner’s request until at least the January transfer window.
By then, he will have just six months left on his contract and will be free to negotiate with foreign clubs.
Since the window closed on the 1st of September, Liverpool have been strongly linked with reigniting their interest, but they are now expected to face stiff competition.
According to The Daily Star, the Reds will be part of a five-way battle for the in-demand defender.
Manchester City are reportedly interested, while European heavyweights Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and Barcelona are also monitoring the situation.
Will Liverpool get a deal done for Marc Guehi?
There is no doubt Guehi would be a welcome addition to Liverpool’s back line and a strong long-term successor to Virgil van Dijk.
Today, The Times’ Paul Joyce has reported that Liverpool are not planning a January move, instead preferring to wait until the summer when Guehi will be available on a free, though delaying could be risky.
With several elite clubs circling, waiting until July might see the Reds miss out on a player who perfectly fits their defensive needs.
Speculation also continues over Ibrahima Konate’s future on Merseyside, with the defender yet to sign a contract extension amid links to Real Madrid.
Meanwhile, Van Dijk, despite extending his stay until 2027, will be 35 years old next summer and is approaching the latter stages of his career.
The Dutchman remains hugely influential and has shown no signs of slowing down so far this season, but Liverpool must prepare for the long-term future without him.
Considering all factors, it would be a no-brainer for Liverpool to revisit a January deal for Guehi, as football moves quickly and their stance at the turn of the year may change.
Injuries, squad depth, and growing competition, depending on their position, could all force their hand sooner rather than later.
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