Oliver Glasner, Crystal Palace’s manager, has emerged victorious in the transfer battle to retain Marc Guehi, thwarting Liverpool’s £35 million bid. Despite initial agreements on terms, including a medical examination and a submitted deal sheet, Glasner successfully convinced Palace chairman Steve Parish to scrap the deal.

Key Factors in Glasner’s Victory

– No Suitable Replacement: Glasner insisted that Guehi couldn’t leave without a suitable replacement, which Palace struggled to find before the deadline.

– Glasner’s Resolve: The Palace boss was resolute in his stance, even reportedly threatening to quit if Guehi was sold to Liverpool.

– Parish’s Change of Heart: Parish ultimately sided with Glasner, pulling the plug on the transfer despite the agreed terms.

Implications for Liverpool

– Defensive Options: Liverpool will now rely on their current defenders, including Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konaté, Joe Gomez, and 18-year-old Giovanni Leoni.

– Future Plans: The Reds may need to explore alternative transfer options or focus on developing their existing squad.

Guehi’s Future

– Free Agent: With less than a year left on his contract, Guehi can walk away for free next summer, potentially attracting top clubs across England and Europe.

– Interest from Top Clubs: Real Madrid and Barcelona are reportedly interested in signing Guehi next summer ¹ ².