David Ornstein: Marc Guehi’s Dream Liverpool Move ‘Collapses’ | OneFootball

Guehi’s Liverpool Move Collapses Despite Deadline Day Agreement

Liverpool thought they had their centre-back target secured. According to David Ornstein of The Athletic, Marc Guehi completed “at least part of a medical after a fee of £35million was agreed between the clubs” and personal terms were also in place for a deal running to 2030. Yet, as the dust settled on deadline day, Guehi remained a Crystal Palace player.

Glasner’s Reluctance Shapes Outcome

Crystal Palace head coach Oliver Glasner stood firm throughout the summer. He was clear about his stance, repeatedly stressing that Guehi could not be sold without an adequate replacement. Palace did line up Jaydee Canvot from Toulouse but failed to land Igor Julio, also a target for West Ham. That collapse effectively sealed Guehi’s fate, keeping him at Selhurst Park despite Liverpool’s determined push.

Ornstein reported that “a deal sheet was submitted to grant Liverpool additional time” but ultimately, the move faltered. Palace’s refusal, backed by Glasner’s insistence, left the England international facing an uncertain year, with his contract due to run out at the end of the season.

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Liverpool’s Centre-Back Situation

Liverpool entered this transfer window keen to strengthen at centre-back. Guehi, at 25 and already an England international, seemed the perfect fit to complement Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konate and Joe Gomez. Giovanni Leoni, though talented, remains untested at Premier League level.

The pursuit of Guehi was not only about adding depth but also planning for the future. Van Dijk remains world class but is edging toward the twilight of his career, while Konate has struggled with fitness. Losing out on Guehi, especially after getting so close, represents a setback in squad planning for Arne Slot.

Respect, Loyalty and Harsh Lessons

There is also a personal story here. Guehi is said to have conducted himself with professionalism and patience throughout the saga. As some have noted, “it shows that being respectful gets you nowhere these days.” Players who agitate or force moves often get their way, while those who remain dignified can end up missing opportunities.

For Guehi, the disappointment must be acute. A move to Anfield offered Champions League football, a title-winning manager in Slot, and the chance to anchor Liverpool’s defence for years to come. Instead, he now faces another season at Palace, with uncertainty over his long-term future.

What Next For Liverpool And Guehi

Liverpool’s window closes with four centre-back options, but the question remains whether that is enough across four competitions. Palace, meanwhile, have retained their captain but may have only delayed the inevitable if Guehi departs as a free agent next summer.

Credit to David Ornstein and The Athletic for breaking and detailing this story.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

As Liverpool supporters, this feels like a cruel twist. We were promised ambition and we saw it on deadline day, but once again it slipped away. Guehi was the ideal signing, young, proven in the Premier League, and ready to step into a backline that still carries injury risks. Van Dijk is ageing, Konate cannot always be relied on to stay fit, and while Gomez and Leoni are options, they do not bring the same level of assurance.

What frustrates fans most is how close this deal came. To hear that Guehi even began a medical, that personal terms were agreed, and then to lose him because Palace could not land Igor Julio, feels galling. It makes you wonder if the club could have acted faster, earlier in the window, instead of relying on deadline day drama.

Respect is another theme that cuts deep. Guehi handled himself impeccably, never kicked up a fuss, and ultimately lost out. Meanwhile, players who go on strike or publicly force their way out often get rewarded. It is disheartening to see professionalism punished and ambition denied.