Crystal Palace have thrown down a formidable gauntlet to Liverpool in the pursuit of England defender Marc Guehi, setting a firm asking price that is expected to soar beyond the £60 million mark.
The 23-year-old centre-half, whose stellar performances for the Three Lions at Euro 2024 have catapulted him into the transfer spotlight, is a primary target for new Reds boss Arne Slot. The Dutch manager is keen to reinforce his defensive line following the departure of club legend Virgil van Dijk's long-term partner.
Palace's Firm Stance and Guehi's Tournament Focus
Despite the mounting interest from Anfield, the South London club are in a position of strength. Guehi remains under contract until 2026, and Palace are under no financial pressure to sell their prized asset for a discounted fee. Their valuation is firmly rooted in the current market, especially for a young, English, and now internationally proven defender.
For his part, Guehi is demonstrating immense professionalism by completely divorcing himself from the transfer speculation. His entire focus is locked on the task at hand in Germany: helping Gareth Southgate's England squad bring home the European Championship trophy.
"He is not thinking about anything else," a source close to the player confirmed, emphasising that any talk of a move will be parked until after the tournament concludes.
The Financial and Strategic Challenge for Liverpool
The prospective fee represents a significant financial outlay for Liverpool's Fenway Sports Group ownership, which has a renowned reputation for a more analytical and often cautious approach to the transfer market. Meeting Palace's demands would see Guehi become one of the most expensive defensive signings in the club's history.
This potential move is further complicated by the player's current commitments. Any formal negotiations or medicals would be impossible until England's participation in Euro 2024 is over, potentially pushing any deal deep into the summer window and limiting Slot's time to integrate him into the squad before the new season kicks off.
The coming weeks will be a delicate dance of negotiation, patience, and strategy as Liverpool decides whether to meet Palace's steep asking price for one of English football's most promising defenders.
