Liverpool is reportedly continuing negotiations to sign Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace, with the transfer entering its crucial phase. Here’s what’s happening ¹ ² ³:

– Transfer Fee: Crystal Palace initially wanted £35 million-plus for Guehi, but they’ve dropped their price to £40 million. Liverpool, however, is only willing to pay up to £30-£40 million, including bonuses.

– Contract Situation: Guehi has 12 months left on his contract, and Palace wants to cash in on him to avoid losing him for free next summer. Liverpool is hoping to capitalize on this situation to negotiate a better deal.

– Player’s Preference: Guehi is open to joining Liverpool, but he wants to guarantee first-team minutes. If he doesn’t get that, he might prefer to stay at Palace and see out his contract.

– Alternative Options: Liverpool has signed Giovanni Leoni from Parma to reinforce their center-back position. If Guehi’s deal falls through, they’ll likely stick with their current squad for now.

Why Guehi is a Good Fit for Liverpool

– Quality: Guehi is considered one of England’s top center-backs, with experience playing in the Premier League and for the national team.

– Age and Potential: At 25, Guehi is in his prime and could be a long-term signing for Liverpool, providing stability and quality to their defense.

– Competition: Signing Guehi would add competition to Liverpool’s center-back position, potentially pushing Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate to perform even better ³ ¹.

Challenges and Uncertainties

– Price Disparity: The main challenge is the difference in valuation between Palace and Liverpool. If Palace doesn’t drop their price, Liverpool might wait until next summer to sign Guehi for free.

– Guehi’s Minutes: If Guehi doesn’t get guaranteed playing time at Liverpool, he might prefer to stay at Palace, which could scupper the deal.

– Other Suitors: Although Liverpool is the favorite to sign Guehi, other clubs like Bayern Munich and Barcelona have shown interest in him. If Liverpool doesn’t meet Palace’s demands, these clubs might try to sign him next summer ².