Liverpool steps up Guehi bid

Liverpool accelerates talks to sign Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi ahead of the window close.

Liverpool steps up bid for Marc Guehi

Liverpool have stepped up their pursuit of Crystal Palace and England defender Marc Guehi, with initial talks held about a move before the summer transfer window shuts. Guehi, 25, is Palace's captain and has a year left on his contract, a situation Palace chairman Steve Parish has flagged could lead to a sale rather than risk a free transfer in 12 months.

Palace are asking around £40m for the defender, a figure Liverpool are reluctant to meet, while previous bids from Newcastle reached about £65m. Liverpool have already spent around £270m this summer and would move past £400m with Guehi and Isak, if both sign. Parma centre-back Giovanni Leoni is also on the club's radar as a future option rather than an immediate rival for Guehi.

Liverpool's approach signals a readiness to pay top tier fees for a defender with long term potential. By pursuing Guehi alongside Isak, the club seems to be prioritizing a defensive spine and attack balance over episodic signings. The move also tests Palace's willingness to cash in on a captain who could depart on a free next year and whether Liverpool can justify the cost in a crowded market.

If Guehi arrives, Liverpool faces a delicate balance between short term impact and long term sustainability. A price tag around £40m would be scrutinized as fans and analysts weigh the benefits of a young, durable defender against the risk of overpaying in a high-stakes window.

Highlights

The window will show how far clubs push to shape a season.