The player in question is Crystal Palace centre-back Marc Guehi, the England international who was tantalizingly close to joining Anfield last summer. Liverpool had reportedly agreed personal terms and were prepared to pay around £35 million—a fee widely viewed as a bargain given Guehi’s quality, leadership, and contract situation (expiring June 2026)—only for Palace to pull the plug at the eleventh hour on transfer deadline day. Oliver Glasner fought hard to retain his captain, and the move collapsed amid late complications.
Fast-forward to mid-January 2026, and the narrative has shifted dramatically. Guehi’s future remains unresolved, with no new contract at Selhurst Park, opening the door for a free transfer in the summer. However, multiple sources indicate Palace could now be open to a January sale, potentially at or below the previous £35 million figure to secure funds before losing him for nothing. Reports from Sky Sports and others suggest the Eagles might accept less than the summer valuation, though The Guardian’s Ed Aarons noted competition from Manchester City and Bayern Munich could push demands toward £40 million.
This has prompted pundits and fans to warn that Liverpool repeating last summer’s hesitation would be a costly error. Liverpool’s defense has faced significant strain this season: injuries (including to Conor Bradley and others), form inconsistencies, and the aging profile of Virgil van Dijk (turning 35 soon) have exposed depth issues. Ibrahima Konaté’s contract runs down in six months with no breakthrough on extensions, Joe Gomez remains injury-prone, and young prospects like Jarell Quansah or others haven’t fully bridged the gap. Critics argue that passing on Guehi again—especially amid these concerns—could leave the backline exposed for the remainder of the campaign and force a more expensive scramble in the summer.
Pundits have been vocal. One analysis highlighted how Liverpool “left it until the last minute and missed out” last summer, urging Arne Slot and sporting director Richard Hughes to “learn from that mistake” and act decisively now. The £35 million tag is framed as a steal for a proven Premier League performer with international pedigree, ball-playing ability, and composure under pressure—qualities that align perfectly with Slot’s possession-based system. Waiting for a free transfer in June risks losing out to rivals like Manchester City, who are reportedly ready to “go strong” in January amid their own injury crises, or even foreign suitors.
Liverpool’s January approach has been characteristically measured: quiet, with no major incomings confirmed as of January 16, 2026. The club has prioritized stability over panic buys, focusing on youth development and assessing “market opportunities.” Outgoings have been minimal (e.g., routine loans), and Slot has emphasized maximizing the current group despite setbacks. Yet, defensive reinforcements remain a priority in recruitment discussions, with Guehi consistently linked as the “obvious candidate” due to prior proximity.
Broader context includes Liverpool’s massive summer 2025 spend (£446.5 million on arrivals) offset by significant sales (£216 million), adhering to financial prudence under PSR rules. A £35 million outlay now would represent targeted investment rather than extravagance, especially if it prevents a larger future cost or defensive crisis. Fan sentiment on platforms like X reflects frustration: many see inaction as “negligence” given the squad’s vulnerabilities, while others note the club’s patience could pay off with a free signing later.
As the window nears its February 2 close, pressure mounts for Liverpool to decide. Will they accelerate plans and revive the Guehi pursuit, or stick to their strategy and risk the “huge mistake” of watching a prime target slip away again? Reports suggest no deal is imminent, but the window’s unpredictability leaves room for a late twist. For a club aiming to defend their Premier League status and push in multiple competitions, securing defensive solidity could prove pivotal—and £35 million for Guehi might represent the value opportunity they can’t afford to ignore twice.
