David Ornstein: Deadline Day Liverpool Transfer at Risk of Collapsing | OneFootball

Guehi to Liverpool Transfer Hangs in the Balance

Credit to David Ornstein of The Athletic for reporting that Marc Guehi’s long-anticipated move to Liverpool is suddenly under serious threat. Despite an agreement in principle between the clubs and a medical already being conducted in London, Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner is holding firm until he has guarantees over a replacement.

“Guehi completed at least part of his medical in London after a fee of £35million was agreed to take the 25-year-old to Anfield, with personal terms in place on a five-year contract,” Ornstein revealed. On paper, everything looked close to completion. Yet as transfer deadline day ticks towards its conclusion, uncertainty has crept in.

Glasner’s Resistance to Losing his Captain

Palace have been clear about their stance throughout the window. Glasner has not disguised his concerns. “Glasner has been resolute that Guehi should not be allowed to leave unless suitable cover arrives.” The Austrian coach values Guehi’s leadership and consistency, making him reluctant to sanction the deal without reinforcements.

Palace thought they had solved that dilemma by striking a provisional agreement with Toulouse for Jaydee Canvot. But as Ornstein details, “that has yet to be confirmed ahead of Monday’s 7pm UK deadline, while a move for Igor Julio appears to have collapsed.” With the Brazilian defender unavailable, Palace are effectively stuck.

Liverpool’s Defensive Rebuild

Liverpool’s pursuit of Guehi fits into a broader reshaping of their defence. Caoimhin Kelleher, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Jarell Quansah and Kostas Tsimikas have all departed. New arrivals include Giorgi Mamardashvili, Jeremie Frimpong, Giovanni Leoni and Milos Kerkez. Arne Slot clearly wants fresh energy and different profiles at the back to sustain a title-winning side.

Adding Guehi would further stabilise the defence, particularly given his proven Premier League pedigree. At 25, he combines youth with experience, an asset to any club with Champions League aspirations.

Deadline Day Uncertainty

The context is dramatic. Liverpool are expected to announce the record-breaking £125 million signing of Alexander Isak later today, a move that will command headlines across Europe. Yet the Guehi saga may prove equally significant for the club’s balance.

As Ornstein stresses, the deal is in jeopardy because Palace “have increased Glasner’s pre-existing opposition to the sale of his captain” after their struggles in the market. All that remains is to see whether a last-minute breakthrough allows the transfer to cross the line.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

For Liverpool fans, this is an uneasy situation. The club have done bold business already this summer, reinforcing the squad in multiple positions, and of course the addition of Isak will electrify the attack. But the defence still feels one player short.

Marc Guehi was supposed to be that answer. Slot appears to trust Giovanni Leoni and Joe Gomez, but supporters know that injuries and suspensions can quickly expose a lack of depth at centre-back. Guehi brings Premier League consistency, calm distribution and leadership qualities that would blend perfectly with Virgil van Dijk’s authority.

For all the excitement of signing Isak, some supporters will be restless if the Guehi deal falls apart. Titles are rarely won without a reliable defence, and this last-day drama has everyone at Anfield biting their nails.