Crystal Palace have sensationally pulled the plug on Marc Guehi's proposed move to Liverpool on transfer deadline day, despite a deal sheet being submitted that extended the window until 9pm. The Premier League champions had agreed a £35 million fee for the England centre-back, who had already undergone a medical, but the transfer was called off after Palace failed to secure a suitable replacement.
Eagles boss Oliver Glasner had been actively opposed to selling his captain from the start, valuing Guehi both as a player and a dressing room leader. His stance hardened after the sale of Eberechi Eze to Arsenal and Palace's struggles to bring in a replacement he deemed of sufficient quality. A loan deal for Brighton's Igor Julio collapsed, while teenage French defender Jaydee Canvot, arriving from Toulouse for £20 million-plus, is seen as a project rather than an immediate starter.
Palace CEO Steve Parish faced a dilemma: back his manager or secure a £35 million windfall the club badly needed. Ultimately, he chose to support Glasner, hoping to dissuade him from a potential move to Bayer Leverkusen. The Bundesliga side, who recently sacked Erik ten Hag, are reportedly interested in Glasner after his successful stint at Eintracht Frankfurt, where he won the Europa League. The Austrian's availability could tempt him to leave Selhurst Park, especially if his captain had been sold against his wishes.
The decision means Liverpool miss out on a key defensive target, while Palace retain their captain but forgo a significant financial boost. The club now faces the challenge of keeping Glasner amid growing interest from Germany.
