Liverpool’s effort to acquire Marc Guéhi from Crystal Palace collapsed on the final day of the transfer window. An offer of £35 million, submitted belatedly by Sporting Director Richard Hughes for the 25-year-old captain, was withdrawn by Palace after they could not secure a replacement in the limited timeframe.

This eleventh-hour reversal left Liverpool disappointed and short on defensive options. However, with Guéhi’s contract expiring in 2026, the club maintains ambition to secure him as a high-profile free agent.

Any potential deal is now highly complex, as reports suggest up to 13 clubs are monitoring the defender. Liverpool’s hopes of a preferential January move at a reduced fee appear remote, with Palace manager Oliver Glasner reportedly against a mid-season sale and the player himself inclined to remain until the summer, setting the stage for a major bidding war.

While Liverpool have communicated their offer to Guéhi’s representatives, they face intense competition. Five other Premier League clubs—Chelsea, Manchester City, Manchester United, and Tottenham—are also prepared with formal proposals. Additionally, elite European sides, including Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Bayern Munich, are poised to begin formal negotiations in January.

Although Guéhi previously agreed to join Liverpool before the summer deal was cancelled, the club hopes their established interest will prove advantageous when a historic contest for his signature begins next year.