Liverpool's hopes of signing England defender Marc Guehi appear to have been dashed, with Manchester City now leading the race for his signature. The Reds' pursuit of the Crystal Palace centre-back, which nearly succeeded last summer, looks set to end in disappointment as Pep Guardiola's side close in on a deal.
City Confident of Beating Liverpool to Guehi Signing
According to fresh reports, Manchester City believe they have overtaken Liverpool in the battle to secure Marc Guehi. Both Premier League giants have held extensive talks with the 25-year-old's representatives, but Liverpool's hesitation to re-enter negotiations has allowed City to seize the initiative.
The deal, valued at around £30 million, could be finalised in the coming days. City's urgency stems from defensive injuries to key players like Josko Gvardiol and Ruben Dias, convincing the club's hierarchy to meet Palace's asking price.
Guehi's contract at Selhurst Park expires in June 2026, meaning he would be available on a free transfer next summer. European heavyweights including Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Inter Milan have all shown interest in that scenario. However, City are now poised to secure his services this month, effectively ending Liverpool's long-standing interest.
Liverpool's Defensive Situation and Youth Investment
This development comes at a time when Liverpool's defensive resources are stretched. Manager Arne Slot currently has only Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate as his fit senior centre-back pairing during a challenging season.
While a major first-team defensive signing now seems unlikely, the club has been active in bolstering its youth ranks. Liverpool have officially completed the signing of 19-year-old centre-back Noah Adekoya from Burnley.
Adekoya, a lifelong Liverpool supporter born on Merseyside, announced the move on Wednesday. He captained Burnley's U18s to a title last season and only signed his first professional contract in October 2025.
This acquisition is part of a broader strategy to inject young defensive talent into the academy. The Reds are also expected to complete deals for 18-year-old Talla Ndiaye from Amitie FC and 17-year-old Ifeanyi Ndukwe from Austria Vienna, the latter for a reported £2.6 million.
What This Means for Liverpool's Season
Missing out on Guehi represents a significant blow to Liverpool's January plans. The defender was seen as a ready-made solution to add depth and quality to a backline that has been central to the team's inconsistent title defence.
With the transfer window open, the focus at Anfield may now shift towards alternative targets or relying on the current squad to navigate a busy period. The club continues to cope with absences, including Mohamed Salah at the Africa Cup of Nations and injuries to forwards Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike.
The emphasis on recruiting promising teenagers like Adekoya signals a commitment to long-term planning, but the immediate concern for Slot will be managing his limited defensive options as the Premier League campaign resumes.
