Fabrizio Romano Update Means Liverpool Could Move Closer to Marc Guehi Signing | OneFootball

Marc Guehi’s Path to Liverpool Clears as UEFA Drama Unfolds

Liverpool’s need for a centre-back has become urgent following Jarell Quansah’s departure to Bayer Leverkusen. With only Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konaté and Joe Gomez left as senior centre-back options, Arne Slot must act fast to avoid a depth crisis in his defensive line.

Of those three, only Van Dijk has been relatively free of injury concerns. Konaté and Gomez, while supremely talented, have both struggled to maintain consistent availability, making the need for a reliable reinforcement all the more pressing.

Enter Marc Guehi, Liverpool’s reported top target and a player who ticks multiple boxes. The Crystal Palace man is still only 24, is homegrown, and boasts Premier League and international experience. His technical ability and defensive intelligence suit Slot’s progressive system, even if aerial strength is not his main attribute.

Europa League Controversy Shifts Negotiation Landscape

Romano’s latest update significantly alters the context surrounding Guehi’s potential move. Palace’s Europa League qualification is under threat due to multi-club ownership rules. Though they earned their place by winning the FA Cup, their participation is in doubt due to their connection with Lyon, also owned until recently by John Textor.

While Textor has now sold his shares in Palace, the sale came after UEFA’s regulatory deadline in March. Lyon’s relegation from Ligue 1 initially seemed to resolve the issue, but Romano revealed this decision has been overturned, with Lyon staying in Ligue 1. That puts UEFA back in the spotlight.

Romano tweeted on Wednesday that UEFA now face a renewed decision, with Sami Mokbel also reporting that Palace’s Europa League participation “hangs in the balance.”

Should UEFA rule against Palace, their ability to demand a premium for Guehi would be significantly weakened. Without the lure of European football, the leverage they held over Liverpool’s interest begins to fade.

Guehi’s Style Suits Slot’s Vision

From a footballing perspective, Guehi is an ideal match. His composure on the ball, sharp anticipation and strong ground duels make him a natural fit for Slot’s setup. The Dutchman’s system thrives on defenders who can initiate play under pressure and maintain positional discipline.

While critics may point to his aerial limitations, his adaptability and game reading compensate well. At 24, he also represents a long-term investment in Liverpool’s defensive evolution.

Deal Closer Than Ever?

With Guehi’s contract winding down and Palace’s European status in limbo, the stars are aligning for Liverpool. If UEFA rules against Palace, the Reds could negotiate a lower fee and secure a key player before pre-season preparations intensify.

As the original article noted, “the only thing missing really is for Liverpool to agree a fee with Palace and get this over the line.”

That line may be just around the corner.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

For Liverpool fans, this could be the kind of behind-the-scenes development that ultimately unlocks a perfect signing. Guehi has long been admired by many supporters for his calmness, tactical discipline and potential leadership traits. Given Slot’s success in his first season and his reputation for getting the best out of technically gifted players, Guehi could flourish at Anfield.

His arrival would bring balance and depth to a backline that, despite its quality, has been vulnerable to injuries for too long. If Palace’s European ambitions collapse under UEFA’s ruling, Liverpool might finally get a deal done at a reasonable price — and one that doesn’t require a drawn-out saga.

Most supporters would view this as a clever, strategic move. Young, Premier League-proven, and hungry for trophies, Guehi could develop into a future leader. With Van Dijk ageing and Konaté still needing to prove fitness, this might not just be a smart signing, but a crucial one.