Liverpool have suffered a significant setback in the January transfer window, with their pursuit of England defender Marc Guehi ending in failure as the player prepares to join rivals Manchester City.
Guehi Deal Collapses, City Move Imminent
In a dramatic twist, a proposed £35 million deal with Crystal Palace for Guehi has collapsed at the eleventh hour. The Reds had hoped to bolster their defensive ranks with the 25-year-old Eagles skipper, but the transfer has now fallen through.
Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner confirmed the development in his pre-match press conference ahead of Saturday's clash with Sunderland. The Austrian stated, "My latest understanding is that the deal with Marc is in the final stages... I cannot confirm the club, because it's still not done, but in the final stages, and the result is that Marc doesn't play tomorrow for us."
It is now widely reported that Marc Guehi will undergo a medical with Manchester City on Sunday, ahead of a £30 million move to the Etihad Stadium. Pep Guardiola's side emerged as frontrunners following injuries to key defenders Ruben Dias and Josko Gvardiol.
Defensive Crisis Forces Liverpool's Hand
This failure leaves Liverpool manager Arne Slot scrambling for alternatives with the January transfer window set to close on February 2. The Reds are experiencing a defensive crisis, exacerbated by a long-term ACL injury to summer signing Giovanni Leoni, sustained on his debut against Southampton in the Carabao Cup in September.
This has forced Slot to rely heavily on the pairing of Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate. The need for reinforcements is urgent if Liverpool are to secure a strong finish in the 2025/26 Premier League season. Currently sitting fourth and 14 points behind leaders Arsenal, their title defence is over, with the focus shifting to securing European football for 2026/27.
Schlotterbeck Emerges as Primary Target
With Guehi out of the picture, Liverpool have reportedly turned their attention to Borussia Dortmund and Germany centre-back Nico Schlotterbeck. According to sources, the 26-year-old defender is high on Liverpool's shortlist, alongside Inter Milan's Alessandro Bastoni.
It is believed Schlotterbeck is not looking to sign a new contract with the Bundesliga giants and is pursuing a move. The talented defender, who has proven himself in the Champions League, carries an estimated price tag of around £50 million.
Renowned transfer journalist Graeme Bailey confirmed that Liverpool held talks with Schlotterbeck's representatives as far back as December. The club may now intensify their efforts to secure his signature before the window slams shut.
The need for action was underscored on Saturday afternoon when Liverpool were held to a 1-1 draw by Burnley at Anfield. Fans will be hoping for significant movement in the market to provide a spark for the remainder of the campaign, with Nico Schlotterbeck now appearing to be the central figure in Liverpool's defensive recruitment plans.
