Marc Guehi Will Only Consider Liverpool Transfer If Guaranteed Regular Starting Role
Marc Guehi Will Only Consider Liverpool Transfer If Guaranteed Regular Starting Role
Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi is reportedly only willing to join Liverpool if he is assured of a consistent place in the starting lineup, according to Sky Sports.
The Reds are preparing for changes in their defensive unit, with academy product Jarell Quansah set to complete a move to Bayer Leverkusen for a fee of approximately £34 million. This departure opens up a spot in Arne Slot’s backline, and Liverpool have long admired Guehi as a potential addition.
Guehi Seeks Assurances Over Playing Time
Despite mutual interest and personal terms reportedly being agreed upon, a deal is far from certain. Guehi is currently a guaranteed starter at Crystal Palace and is unwilling to compromise on playing time if he moves to Anfield. His desire is to maintain a first-choice role at any future club—something Liverpool may find hard to promise given their current defensive options.
With Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konaté both competing for minutes at centre-back, Liverpool are unlikely to offer Guehi the immediate regular role he desires. Guehi, who has been labeled a “superstar” due to his consistent performances, wants to be a key figure in any squad he joins.
Transfer Fee May Be Another Hurdle
Beyond the question of playing time, the financial aspects of the deal could also be problematic. Crystal Palace value Guehi at around £70 million, though that figure may drop to approximately £45 million given that the 24-year-old has just one year left on his current contract.
Statistical Comparison – 2024/25 Season
| Metric | Marc Guehi | Virgil van Dijk | Ibrahima Konaté |
|---|---|---|---|
| Appearances | 34 | 37 | 31 |
| Goals | 3 | 3 | 1 |
| Assists | 2 | 1 | 2 |
| Progressive Passes/90 | 3.94 | 5.35 | 4.05 |
| Tackles Won/90 | 1.00 | 0.54 | 0.92 |
| Interceptions/90 | 0.82 | 1.51 | 0.60 |
| Clearances/90 | 4.79 | 5.14 | 4.68 |
| Aerials Won (%) | 54.0 | 72.1 | 71.8 |
Future of Liverpool’s Defence Remains Unclear
Konaté’s future is also under a cloud, with just one year left on his deal. Reports suggest that Real Madrid could pursue the Frenchman on a free transfer next summer if Liverpool fail to extend his contract—similar to the uncertainty surrounding Trent Alexander-Arnold.
Given these defensive uncertainties, Guehi could still emerge as a vital target. However, unless Liverpool can assure him a key role, the move appears unlikely at this stage.
