Liverpool have been handed a significant transfer warning concerning their pursuit of Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi, with their faltering Premier League form and potential failure to secure Champions League football cited as major obstacles.
Champions League Qualification a Key Factor
Former Liverpool midfielder Jason McAteer has cautioned his old club that their current league position could scupper a move for the highly sought-after England international. After 11 games, Arne Slot's side sits in a disappointing eighth place in the Premier League, having lost four of their last five matches.
McAteer emphasised the heightened competition for a player entering free agency. "Being a free agent brings everyone into the conversation," he told AceOdds. "It brings Bayern Munich in, it brings Real Madrid, Barcelona and other clubs in as well." He specifically highlighted the risk for Liverpool, stating, "If Liverpool drop off, there is no guarantee that they will qualify for the Champions League and that could be one thing which Guehi wants when moving as a free agent."
A Transfer Saga with a Late Collapse
The Reds' interest in Guehi is well-documented, with the club having agreed a deal for the centre-back in the summer, only for Crystal Palace to pull the plug in the final hours. Guehi is now set to leave Selhurst Park when his contract expires next summer, making him available on a free transfer.
This situation puts Liverpool in a precarious position. In January, Guehi will be permitted to speak with other clubs and sign a pre-contract agreement. European giants like Real Madrid and Bayern Munich are already linked with the former Chelsea trainee, intensifying the competition.
An Alternative Target Emerges
Should Liverpool miss out on Guehi, McAteer has proposed a surprising alternative: Sunderland's Dan Ballard. The 54-year-old pundit has been impressed with the Northern Ireland international's adaptation to the Premier League, particularly highlighting his mature performance against his former club, Arsenal.
"Daniel Ballard from Sunderland has had a fantastic start to his Premier League career," McAteer said. However, he also issued a warning, suggesting that Ballard's price tag could soon rocket to £40-50 million if his strong form continues, attracting attention from numerous clubs.
With the January transfer window approaching, Liverpool's actions on and off the pitch will be critical in determining their success in bolstering a defence that has been identified as a key area for improvement.
