Crystal Palace and England defender Marc Guehi has made it clear that he will only consider a move to Liverpool if he is assured of a starting role in Jürgen Klopp’s successor’s plans at Anfield. The 23-year-old centre-back, currently starring for England at Euro 2024, is one of the most sought-after defensive prospects in the Premier League and has attracted strong interest from several top-six clubs.
Liverpool, now managed by Arne Slot, are reportedly eyeing Guehi as a long-term partner for Virgil van Dijk and a potential successor to the aging Dutch captain. However, Guehi’s representatives have informed interested parties that the former Chelsea academy graduate will not agree to a move where he is treated as a rotation option or backup, especially at this stage in his career.
Liverpool’s Defensive Rebuild
Following the departures of Joel Matip and question marks around Ibrahima Konaté’s consistency and fitness, Liverpool are actively pursuing a central defender to shore up their backline. Guehi’s performances with Palace and England have highlighted his composure, intelligence, and leadership qualities—traits that align well with Liverpool’s defensive ethos.
Yet, for Guehi, consistent first-team football is non-negotiable. Sources close to the player say he is wary of a situation where he would be behind Konaté or Van Dijk in the pecking order, especially with the 2026 World Cup on the horizon. He sees regular minutes at a top club as vital to his development and his place in Gareth Southgate’s future England squads.
Palace Set for a Fight
Crystal Palace have no intention of letting Guehi leave easily. The South London club reportedly value him at over £50 million and are in a strong negotiating position with two years left on his contract. They are also attempting to convince him to stay under new manager Oliver Glasner, who has been impressed by the defender’s maturity and influence in the squad.
Palace’s stance is clear: unless a club is willing to meet their valuation and Guehi himself is convinced he’ll play every week, they will not sanction a sale.
Guehi’s Perspective
Having played nearly every game for Palace since arriving from Chelsea in 2021, Guehi has established himself as one of the Premier League’s most consistent defenders. He has earned plaudits for his positioning, aerial strength, and ability to build play from the back—qualities Liverpool highly value in their system.
Despite his affection for Palace, Guehi is understood to be open to a move that aligns with his career trajectory. A source close to the player said:
> “Marc isn’t desperate to leave Palace. But if the right opportunity comes, especially with Champions League football, he will take it—only if he’s not sitting on the bench.”
Competition for Guehi’s Signature
Liverpool are not alone in their pursuit. Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur, and Arsenal have all shown varying degrees of interest in the England international. However, each of these clubs also faces a similar hurdle: convincing Guehi he will be a guaranteed starter.
With Euros 2024 showcasing Guehi’s talents on the international stage, interest in the defender is expected to intensify over the coming weeks. But the message from his camp remains unchanged—he will not risk stalling his career by becoming a squad option at a top club.
Final Thoughts
Marc Guehi’s desire to move only if he’s a guaranteed starter may pose a dilemma for Liverpool. While the Reds see him as a high-quality addition, they must now decide whether they are ready to commit to starting him in a defensive line that still features Van Dijk, Konaté, and emerging prospects like Jarell Quansah.
If Liverpool truly want Guehi, they’ll need to prove he’s not just a fu
ture starter—but one for the present.
