In a stunning turn of events, Crystal Palace’s star centre-back Marc Guehi has confirmed he will not sign a new contract with the club, setting the stage for a dramatic departure in 2025.
The 25-year-old England international, who nearly joined Liverpool on transfer deadline day last month, has informed Palace that this will be his final season at Selhurst Park. This decision marks a significant blow for the Eagles and opens a tantalizing opportunity for Liverpool to reshape their defensive future.
A Missed Opportunity for Palace
Guehi, who has been a cornerstone of Palace’s defense since joining from Chelsea in 2021, was the subject of intense transfer speculation in the summer. Liverpool’s last-gasp attempt to secure his signature was thwarted when Palace pulled out of negotiations, opting to retain their captain. However, with Guehi now in the final 12 months of his contract, the club faces the prospect of losing him for a reduced fee in January or for free when his deal expires next summer. From January 1, Guehi will also be free to negotiate pre-contract agreements with foreign clubs, further complicating Palace’s position.
Manager Oliver Glasner confirmed the defender’s stance, stating, “Marc has already told us that he doesn’t sign a new contract, so he will leave next year. The club wanted him to stay. They offered Marc a new contract, but he said, ‘No, I want to make something different.’” Glasner’s pragmatic response reflects the club’s need to plan for life after Guehi, who has made 167 appearances and led Palace to FA Cup glory in May 2025.
Liverpool’s Golden Opportunity
For Liverpool, Guehi’s decision could not have come at a more pivotal moment. The Reds, under manager Arne Slot, are navigating a challenging period after suffering three consecutive defeats before the international break—a rare stumble for a team that had started the season with seven straight wins. The potential acquisition of Guehi could be the spark Liverpool need to ignite a historic transformation at Anfield.
Guehi’s proven Premier League pedigree, leadership qualities, and composure at the heart of defense make him an ideal fit for Slot’s system. His ability to captain Palace to cup success and his 25 caps for England underline his readiness to step into a high-pressure environment like Liverpool. With the Reds aiming to avoid a fourth consecutive loss for the first time since November 2014, Guehi’s arrival could bolster their backline and provide the stability needed to challenge for major honors.
Slot’s Perspective: Resilience Amid Pressure
Ahead of a crucial clash against arch-rivals Manchester United, Slot addressed the scrutiny surrounding his squad. “Results don’t lie,” he admitted. “If you lose three in a row, we have to do better. But I think these players, who have experienced so many things, don’t wake up at night thinking ‘Oh, we lost three times.’” Slot emphasized the need for a reaction, not just from his players but also from the Anfield faithful, as Liverpool aim to extend their unbeaten streak against United to a club-record 10 matches.
The international break, while disruptive, offered Slot a chance to reflect and regroup. “Maybe if you lose three times, you are hoping for that spark or that one or two percent more, not only from us but from our fans on Sunday,” he added. Signing a player of Guehi’s caliber could provide that spark, galvanizing the squad and reigniting their title ambitions.
The Road Ahead
For Crystal Palace, Guehi’s impending exit is a bitter pill to swallow. The club must now decide whether to cash in during the January transfer window or risk losing him for free. For Liverpool, the opportunity to secure a world-class defender at a potentially reduced cost represents a chance to reshape their squad for the future. As the transfer saga unfolds, one thing is clear: Marc Guehi’s decision has sent shockwaves through the Premier League, setting the stage for a blockbuster transformation at Anfield.
