Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton has provided a revealing insight into teammate Marc Guehi's failed transfer to Liverpool, admitting the entire squad expected the defender to complete his move to Anfield.
The Collapsed Transfer
Speaking on The Athletic FC Podcast, Wharton disclosed that Marc Guehi's proposed switch to Liverpool fell through at the final moment on transfer deadline day, leaving the Crystal Palace dressing room in surprise. The England international had been heavily linked with a move to Merseyside, with negotiations appearing to reach an advanced stage before collapsing unexpectedly.
"People were probably shocked that he didn't go," Wharton revealed. "Because it was all over, he was going, he was basically there." The midfielder added that after Palace's match against Aston Villa, many within the club believed Guehi's departure was inevitable.
Guehi's Professional Response
Despite the disappointment of seeing his dream move evaporate at the eleventh hour, Wharton praised his teammate's professional attitude. "He's not going to complain and he won't show his frustrations," the 21-year-old said. "He just gets on with it and just shows the type of professional he is."
Wharton emphasised that Guehi's performances didn't suffer following the transfer disappointment, noting that "if you looked at his performances, you couldn't tell that he'd just had a move taken away from him at the last second." This resilience, according to Wharton, demonstrates the centre-back's exceptional character and dedication to his current club.
An Uncertain Future
With Guehi's contract set to expire next summer, his future remains a hot topic of discussion. Wharton acknowledged that "it's pretty obvious" his teammate will be departing Crystal Palace, particularly after reports emerged that the defender wouldn't be signing a new deal.
The young midfielder didn't hold back in his assessment of Guehi's abilities, stating "he could literally go to any club in the world, for me, and be starting comfortably." This high praise comes from someone who trains with the defender daily and has witnessed his consistent performances both in Premier League matches and for the England national team.
While Liverpool maintain their interest in the centre-back, they face competition from several elite European clubs, with Guehi poised to become one of the most sought-after Bosman transfers when the season concludes. Wharton expressed his personal hope that Guehi would remain at Selhurst Park until at least the summer, saying "I hope he stays until summer so we can have him for a bit longer."
Wharton's Own Situation
Despite being linked with moves to Liverpool and Manchester United himself, Wharton revealed he pays little attention to transfer speculation. "I don't really look into it or think too much about it," he said, explaining that family and friends often alert him to rumours before he sees them himself.
The England international, who made his competitive debut as a late substitute against Serbia, maintains a pragmatic approach to his future. "If something is going to be serious, then I can maybe think about it," he stated, adding that "until there is something concrete and direct communication, I wouldn't stress about it too much."
At just 21 years old, Wharton recognises he has "plenty of time" to develop his career, expressing confidence that if he continues "working and improving and playing as well as I can, hopefully that day will come" when a significant transfer materialises.
