Liverpool’s Collins Bid Blocked as Guehi Talks Advance

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·11 Agustus 2025

Liverpool’s Collins Bid Blocked as Guehi Talks Advance

Liverpool Face Defensive Tug-of-War as Collins Hope Fades but Guehi Door Opens

Balancing ambition with reality in transfer market

Liverpool’s summer rebuild under Arne Slot has been nothing short of assertive. Seven new arrivals have already been unveiled — headlined by Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong and Hugo Ekitike — yet the champions’ recruitment drive shows no signs of slowing. Central defence remains a priority, particularly after Jarell Quansah’s departure to Bayer Leverkusen and with Ibrahima Konaté entering the final year of his contract.

Two names have dominated discussions: Brentford’s newly-appointed captain Nathan Collins and Crystal Palace’s England international Marc Guehi. But as Pete O’Rourke reports, Liverpool’s pathway to the former may already be blocked.

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Brentford stand firm over Collins

Liverpool’s interest in Collins was first reported earlier this month, with the 24-year-old described as “a born leader” by Brentford’s official channels. The admiration is genuine — his commanding performances last season caught plenty of eyes — but the reality is that Brentford have no appetite to sell.

O’Rourke told Football Insider:

“It’s a bit of a surprising link, not just because it’s Nathan Collins – he enjoyed a very good season for Brentford last year. There’s no doubt Liverpool are looking light at centre-back having sold Jarell Quansah, and the ongoing speculation about Ibrahima Konate’s long-term future.

“I can’t see Brentford letting Collins go, having seen so many other star players leave this summer – he’s just been made captain – I just don’t see how Brentford can afford to let him go.”

It’s a stance rooted in necessity. Having already endured the loss of key players, Brentford risk unravelling their squad’s spine if Collins departs. The “not for sale” signs, as O’Rourke puts it, are firmly in place.

Guehi pursuit gains momentum

While Brentford’s door remains shut, Crystal Palace’s is ever so slightly ajar. Marc Guehi’s contract expires next summer, and Palace chairman Steve Parish has publicly acknowledged the club’s willingness to sell under the right conditions.

Speaking after Palace’s Community Shield win over Liverpool, Parish admitted:

“Yes. Of course, for players of that calibre to leave on a free, it is a problem for a football club. There is no doubt about it, unfortunately… We will do whatever we can. But as far as people being here or not being here, it depends. If it is the right decision for the football club and them – nobody can make anyone go – there will be some changes. But we have got to make smart ones.”

Sources have told Teamtalk that Liverpool have already agreed personal terms with Guehi on a five-year deal, with the player himself eager to join the champions. The sticking point is the fee: Liverpool will not exceed £45m including bonuses, while Palace may seek to push that figure higher.

Strategic patience key for Liverpool

This is the test for Hughes and Slot — to balance Liverpool’s defensive needs with the fiscal discipline that has underpinned the club’s recent success. Chasing Collins appears a dead end for now; Guehi, however, represents a realistic opportunity to add a prime-aged, Premier League-proven defender without engaging in a bidding war.

The backdrop is clear: Liverpool’s title defence will require depth and quality across the back line, particularly in a season likely to be shaped by fixture congestion and injury management. The choice between holding out for Collins or closing the deal for Guehi could influence not just the summer window, but the tone of the campaign ahead.

For supporters, the message is simple: the search for defensive reinforcements is far from over — but the path is becoming narrower with each passing week.