Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi gives insight into his future while on international duty, as transfer rumours continue to swirl.
Liverpool transfer target Marc Guehi has stated that he is not focusing on his future despite renewed speculation over where his long-term future lies.
The England international, who has been outstanding for Palace since joining from Chelsea in 2021, continues to attract attention from Europe’s elite. Reports in recent weeks have linked him not only with Liverpool, but also with Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Bayern Munich all monitoring his situation closely ahead of what could be a defining year in his career.
Guehi, now 24 and captaining Palace with maturity beyond his years, is entering the final months of his contract, which expires at the end of the current season. The south London club are facing the reality that their defensive lynchpin may depart either in January or on a free transfer next summer.
But speaking while on international duty with England this week, Guehi was calm and composed refusing to be drawn into discussions about his future or the speculation surrounding it.
“For me, it doesn’t matter,” Guehi said. “As long as I’m playing well for Palace, there is an opportunity for me to be here. Whether it’s sorted or not, it doesn’t matter for me.”
He continued:
“Personally, I don’t know if I can think that far ahead. I like to just take it step by step, and that is just focusing on the games that I have at Palace and any upcoming opportunities I have here.”
Those words reflect a player comfortable in his own development unfazed by the noise, measured in his response, and still very much committed to performing for his current club.
Liverpool believed they had done enough to secure Guehi’s signature on deadline day in September. A club-to-club agreement had been reached, personal terms were finalised, and the player even underwent a medical in London with Liverpool staff present.
But as has so often been the case in football, the move fell apart in the final hours. Crystal Palace, unable to bring in a replacement before the window closed, pulled the plug. The breakdown was not through lack of intent from the player or Liverpool, but a matter of timing and circumstance.
Inside Liverpool’s recruitment department, the frustration was palpable. In fact, a farewell video recorded and approved with Guehi’s involvement had already been prepared by Palace’s media team in anticipation of his departure.
Guehi’s blend of composure in possession, leadership, and defensive intelligence fit neatly into the profile Liverpool’s data department had been tracking for months.
Still, the club remains hopeful that the failed transfer was merely a delay rather than a definitive end. Guehi’s contract at Selhurst Park expires at the end of the current campaign, and sources close to the situation have indicated there is little chance of him signing an extension.
When Palace defeated Liverpool 2–1 at Selhurst Park two weeks ago, it was Guehi who stood out again. He marshalled the defence superbly, reading the game with composure and nullifying several Liverpool attacks.
It was a performance that underlined exactly why Arne Slot sees him as an ideal long-term target though they are far from alone. Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, and Barcelona are all reported to have scouted Guehi extensively this season.
For now, Guehi’s attention turns to England. He’s expected to feature in the upcoming friendly against Wales on Thursday night and the World Cup qualifier away to Latvia next Tuesday. Thomas Tuchel continues to trust him as one of his more dependable defensive options, and his performances for Palace have justified that faith.
At Liverpool, the defensive picture remains somewhat uncertain. Summer signing Giovanni Leoni suffered a serious knee injury shortly after his arrival, ruling him out for several months. Ibrahima Konaté’s fitness issues have also continued to cause concern.
Slot, who has enjoyed a solid start to life at Anfield, will be keenly aware that his side needs stability at the back if they are to sustain a title challenge and progress deep into European competition.
That is why Liverpool’s recruitment team continue to view Guehi as a priority a player not only for now, but for the next phase of the club’s evolution. His homegrown status also adds value in terms of squad registration rules, making him a sensible and strategic target.
For Liverpool, this is a waiting game. The club’s recruitment strategy has long favoured patience over panic, and the Guehi situation will be no different. If Palace open the door to a January sale, Liverpool will be ready to act. If not, they may bide their time until the summer or even 2026, when he could become available as a free agent.
