In one of the most dramatic deadline day collapses in recent transfer history, Marc Guehi’s proposed £35 million move to Liverpool has spectacularly fallen through after Crystal Palace pulled the plug on the deal in the final hours. Despite the England international completing his medical and both clubs agreeing terms, the Eagles’ failure to secure an adequate replacement has left the defender stranded and Liverpool empty-handed in their pursuit of defensive reinforcement.
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The Deal That Was Almost Done
Liverpool and Crystal Palace had reached a comprehensive agreement for Marc Guehi that seemed destined for completion. The clubs agreed on a £35 million fee plus a 10% sell-on clause, with the player undergoing his medical in London to expedite the process ahead of the 7pm deadline.
| Transfer Details | Agreement Reached |
|---|---|
| Transfer Fee | £35 million |
| Additional Clauses | 10% sell-on fee |
| Medical Status | Completed successfully |
| Personal Terms | Agreed |
| Final Outcome | COLLAPSED |
The medical was strategically conducted in London to avoid any last-minute complications, with Liverpool keen to secure their primary defensive target. All administrative requirements had been met, creating expectations that the deal would proceed smoothly.
Crystal Palace’s Replacement Crisis
The collapse of the transfer stemmed directly from Crystal Palace’s inability to secure their preferred replacement. The Eagles had targeted Brighton defender Igor Julio on a season-long loan, but this crucial deal fell through at the critical moment, leaving Palace without defensive cover.
The Igor Julio Saga
Palace’s pursuit of Igor Julio represented their primary strategy for replacing Guehi. The 27-year-old Brazilian had been identified as the ideal candidate to fill the void left by their captain’s departure. However, complications arose during negotiations, with contrasting reports suggesting Palace opted against completing the deal following concerns raised during Igor’s medical examination.
| Replacement Targets | Status | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Igor Julio (Brighton) | Primary target | FAILED |
| Joe Gomez (Liverpool) | Loan inquiry | Rejected |
| Manuel Akanji (Man City) | Interest shown | Unavailable |
| Strahinja Pavlovic (Milan) | Long-term target | No progress |
West Ham ultimately secured Igor Julio’s services, leaving Palace scrambling for alternatives in the final hours of the transfer window.
Oliver Glasner’s Decisive Intervention
Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner played a pivotal role in the transfer’s collapse, having been vocally opposed to Guehi’s departure throughout the process. The Austrian coach had consistently emphasized the importance of keeping his captain, particularly without securing a Premier League-ready replacement.
“From my side, he has to [stay] because it’s not possible at the moment to find a Marc Guehi replacement who can play straight in the Premier League, being a starter, being consistent,” Glasner stated emphatically before the deadline.
Sky Sports News understands that Glasner’s insistence on not wanting to lose Guehi played a key role in Palace’s decision to pull the plug on the transfer. His professional relationship with the club hierarchy proved influential in the final hours.
The Final Hours Drama
Despite the setbacks, Liverpool remained hopeful of completing the deal by submitting a deal sheet to the Premier League, which would have provided an additional two hours beyond the 7pm deadline to finalize negotiations. This procedural move demonstrated Liverpool’s desperation to secure their target.
However, Crystal Palace’s hierarchy ultimately decided they could not sanction their captain’s exit without adequate defensive reinforcement. The decision came after extensive internal discussions between manager Glasner and chairman Steve Parish.
Timeline of Collapse
The dramatic timeline reveals how quickly the situation deteriorated:
- Monday afternoon: Fee agreed between clubs (£35m + 10% sell-on)
- Monday evening: Guehi completes medical in London
- 6pm: Igor Julio deal collapses, Palace panic
- 7pm: Deal sheet submitted for extra time
- 8pm: Palace officially pull plug on transfer
Impact on Liverpool’s Defensive Plans
The collapse leaves Liverpool with limited central defensive options heading into the new season. Manager Arne Slot will rely on Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konate, Joe Gomez, and 18-year-old summer signing Giovanni Leoni as primary center-back options.
Liverpool’s defensive strategy had been built around securing Guehi as experienced cover and potential long-term successor to their aging defensive stalwarts. The failure to complete this transfer represents a significant blow to their squad planning.
Liverpool’s Defensive Depth Analysis
| Position | Primary Options | Age | Experience Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Center-back | Virgil van Dijk | 33 | Elite veteran |
| Center-back | Ibrahima Konate | 25 | Established starter |
| Center-back | Joe Gomez | 27 | Experienced backup |
| Center-back | Giovanni Leoni | 18 | Youth prospect |
The reliance on an 18-year-old as fourth-choice center-back highlights the vulnerability in Liverpool’s defensive structure following the Guehi collapse.
Crystal Palace’s Deadline Day Desperation
With their primary replacement target secured by West Ham, Crystal Palace made frantic last-minute attempts to secure defensive reinforcement. They signed 19-year-old Jaydee Canvot from Toulouse for £20.8 million, but Glasner had made clear this signing alone was insufficient.
The Eagles also explored moves for AC Milan’s Strahinja Pavlovic and Chelsea’s Axel Disasi, but neither materialized in time to facilitate Guehi’s departure.
Guehi’s Contract Situation
Marc Guehi enters the final year of his Crystal Palace contract, creating significant complications for the club. Palace face the prospect of losing their captain on a free transfer next summer if they cannot agree contract extension terms.
This contractual situation adds urgency to Palace’s decision-making, as they risk losing their £35 million valuation if Guehi runs down his contract. The defender’s professionalism throughout this ordeal has been exemplary, despite the personal disappointment.
Future Implications
The collapsed transfer creates multiple scenarios for both clubs moving forward. Liverpool may return with renewed interest in January or next summer, particularly if Guehi remains available on a free transfer. Palace must now navigate contract negotiations with a player who has been denied his preferred move.
For Guehi personally, the situation presents both frustration and opportunity. While his immediate move to Liverpool has been blocked, his stock remains high following impressive performances for both club and country.
Alternative Targets and Market Impact
Liverpool’s failure to secure Guehi may force them to explore alternative defensive options or promote youth players more quickly than planned. The collapse also demonstrates the interconnected nature of modern transfer dealings, where one failed deal can trigger a domino effect across multiple clubs.
Palace’s decision, while understandable from a sporting perspective, may strain relationships with players who see opportunities blocked by club management decisions. The balance between sporting necessity and player ambition remains a delicate challenge.
Read More: Santi Giménez Remains at Milan Despite Transfer Speculation
FAQs
Why did Marc Guehi’s Liverpool transfer collapse?
The deal collapsed because Crystal Palace failed to secure their preferred replacement, Igor Julio from Brighton, who chose to join West Ham instead, leaving Palace without adequate defensive cover.
Did Marc Guehi complete his medical with Liverpool?
Yes, Guehi successfully completed his medical examination in London, and all personal terms were agreed between player and club before Palace pulled the plug.
What was the agreed transfer fee between Liverpool and Crystal Palace?
The clubs had agreed on a £35 million fee plus a 10% sell-on clause, with all terms finalized before the deal collapsed.
Will Marc Guehi get another chance to join Liverpool?
Possibly, as Guehi enters the final year of his Palace contract and could be available on a free transfer next summer if no new deal is agreed.
What role did Oliver Glasner play in blocking the transfer?
Glasner was vocally opposed to losing Guehi without a Premier League-ready replacement and his insistence played a key role in Palace’s decision to cancel the deal.
