The Premier League Champions Liverpool may look back on the summer of 2025 as one of their most ambitious transfer windows in modern history. They unveiled a new era under Arne Slot with a record-breaking spree that delivered Alexander Isak, Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez with many others coming through the door at the AXA Training Centre
And yet, for all the noise and excitement, one major target slipped through their fingers — Marc Guehi.
The England centre-back was on the brink of completing a move to Merseyside on deadline day, with Liverpool having agreed a £35 million deal with Crystal Palace. Guehi, Palace’s captain, had made clear his preference for a move to Anfield. But as the clock ticked towards the 7pm cut-off, Palace unable to source a replacement pulled the plug, leaving them without the defensive reinforcement Slot had earmarked as a priority.
It is a failure that, according to former striker Emile Heskey, could yet prove costly.
“Guehi was a signing needed more than Isak,” Heskey told Aceodds
That statement may raise eyebrows given the calibre of players the Reds have just signed such as Alexander Isak, who is one of the most coveted strikers in Europe. But Heskey’s reasoning is grounded in the club’s long-term needs.
Liverpool’s defensive core remains anchored by Virgil van Dijk, now in his early-30s, and Ibrahima Konaté, whose future is uncertain amid stalled contract talks. Slot made the decision to let go of Jarell Quansah which has resulted in depth at centre-half a recurring concern for Liverpool.
Guehi, 24, was viewed internally as a ready-made successor, someone with the technical assurance to fit Slot’s high-possession game and the leadership qualities to anchor a backline at the highest level.
“Guehi will be a huge miss,” Heskey continued. “He’s arguably one of the best and most composed centre backs in the league. It will be a big miss but how much more could they have pushed if Palace didn’t want to or have to sell?”
“All you can do is put more money on the table but then you’re moving outside of your scope of what is right for a player who is in his last year.”
Heskey’s concern is not just about the missed opportunity this summer. It is about the risks that lie ahead. The England international is entering the final year of his contract in 2026, meaning he could be available on a free transfer next summer. Liverpool, aware of that, are unlikely to return in January preferring to play the long game.
But that strategy comes with danger attached.
“Come January it will be a different proposition. There’s no doubt that he wants to come to Liverpool,” Heskey said.
“Now there will always be the possibility of a team hijacking the move in January. Especially Chelsea and Manchester City who can gazump anyone. But Liverpool is an institution and I’m sure they’re fairly confident they can get the deal done.”
Chelsea, Guehi’s former club, retain admiration for their academy graduate, while Manchester City have been monitoring his progress as they plan for defensive succession beyond Ruben Dias and John Stones. If either side were to offer Palace a cut-price deal in January, it would not only deny Liverpool their preferred target but also strengthen direct rivals.
Heskey is not alone in fearing that outcome. Figures close to the negotiations suggest Guehi had eyes only for Liverpool this summer, rejecting other approaches. Whether that loyalty endures another six months remains to be seen.
In the meantime, the 47-year-old has praised the defender for the manner in which he has handled the uncertainty.
“A lot of people have spoken about how dignified Guehi has been with his situation and that’s how it should be. Guehi has been fantastic,”
“I think it’s credit to him that he has continued playing a bit like other England players have over the years when they have been linked with moves away, such as Wayne Rooney.”
The Guehi pursuit collapsed not because of Liverpool’s reluctance, but because Palace stood firm without a replacement. From the outside, it looked like a saga playing out in real time, with fans left frustrated at the sudden reversal.
For Slot, the challenge now is whether his defence can withstand another grueling season across four competitions without the reinforcement he wanted. And for Liverpool, the next few months will determine whether patience over Guehi pays off
