Report: Liverpool “Close in” on England Star in £40m Deal | OneFootball

Liverpool Close in on Marc Guehi as Summer Spending Surge Shows No Sign of Slowing

Andy Dunn of The Mirror has reported that Liverpool are leading the race for Marc Guehi, the Crystal Palace and England centre-back, as Arne Slot’s summer revamp powers on. After already splashing close to £200 million, Liverpool’s aggressive recruitment drive could see them land one of the Premier League’s most consistent defenders for a price significantly lower than his estimated market value.

Strengthening at the Back

Following the exit of Jarell Quansah, defensive reinforcements were inevitable. Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konaté may be the preferred pairing now, but Konaté’s contract expires next year and his future remains uncertain. According to Dunn, “Konate’s contract also expires in a year’s time and there is uncertainty about the prospects of him signing a new deal.”

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At just 24, Guehi not only offers proven Premier League quality but also represents a long-term option. His 23 England caps and role as Palace’s FA Cup-winning captain underscore his pedigree. “Guehi lifted the FA Cup as captain of Crystal Palace in May,” Dunn reminds us – a clear sign of both leadership and ability at the highest level.

Palace’s Price and Liverpool’s Leverage

While Crystal Palace are holding out for over £40 million – partly due to Chelsea’s 20% sell-on clause – Liverpool appear confident a deal can be struck below the widely touted £70 million valuation. As Dunn writes, “Crystal Palace value their England centre-half in the region of £70million but are realistic enough to know suitors will not go up that mark as Guehi only has 12 months of his contract to run.”

That contract situation could be Liverpool’s trump card. With Guehi reportedly “keen on a move this summer” and talks expected in the next 24 hours, a resolution seems close. Dunn also highlights that “Liverpool are now in prime position and that talks between all parties will take place in the next 24 hours.”

Slot’s Squad Transformation

If completed, Guehi would become the sixth signing in a dramatic Liverpool rebuild that already includes Florian Wirtz (£116m), Milos Kerkez (£40m), Jeremie Frimpong (£30m), and two goalkeepers in Armin Pesci and Freddie Woodman.

Add in Giorgi Mamardashvili – who arrives formally on 8 July – and it’s clear Fenway Sports Group are backing Slot in emphatic style. As Dunn notes, “It has been a serious statement of intent by Liverpool and their owners Fenway Sports Group.”

Starting Role Not Guaranteed

One hurdle could be convincing Guehi of his role in the team. Dunn points out that “Liverpool might also have to convince him that he will be a regular starter.” Yet with Van Dijk not getting younger and Konaté’s future up in the air, Guehi may find himself a regular sooner than expected.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

From a Liverpool supporter’s standpoint, the prospect of signing Marc Guehi feels both sensible and ambitious. While the headlines will naturally belong to the likes of Wirtz and Frimpong, landing a Premier League-proven, homegrown England international is a crucial bit of business. Guehi is composed in possession, reads the game superbly, and has captained at club level – all traits that align with the dynamic of the club with multiple captains.

Fans will appreciate that Guehi is not just a short-term depth signing but potentially a long-term successor to Van Dijk. While £40–50 million might seem steep for a player with only a year left on his deal, the broader context – his age, experience, and potential resale value – makes this a calculated risk.

There may be some concern about immediate playing time, but with a heavy schedule and multiple competitions ahead, opportunities will come. Guehi’s versatility in a back three or four could also be key to Slot’s tactical evolution.

If completed, this transfer would signal Liverpool’s focus on balance: not just flair and attack, but long-term defensive solidity too.