Glasner revealed the deal was in its “final stages” and confirmed Guéhi would not feature in Palace’s Premier League match against Sunderland on January 17. This move addresses City’s defensive injury crisis (involving Ruben Dias, Josko Gvardiol, and John Stones) and ends Liverpool’s hopes of reviving their summer interest—where a £35m deal collapsed on deadline day after Palace withdrew over replacement concerns.
Liverpool, under Arne Slot, had monitored Guéhi closely as a priority target to bolster their backline amid ongoing issues: Conor Bradley’s season-ending knee surgery, Alexander Isak’s multi-month absence (though not defensive), Ibrahima Konaté’s contract entering its final six months with no extension progress, and Virgil van Dijk nearing 35. The Reds opted against submitting a rival bid in January, deeming the fee less of a “bargain” than last summer or a potential free transfer in June 2026. This decision has frustrated some fans and pundits, who view it as a missed opportunity to add immediate Premier League-proven quality and leadership.
However, the Guéhi setback has redirected attention—and strengthened Liverpool’s position—for Schlotterbeck, the 26-year-old German left-footed centre-back long admired by the club. German journalist Christian Falk (CF Bayern Insider) reported on January 16 that Bayern Munich’s interest has “cooled significantly,” deeming Schlotterbeck “too expensive” following Dayot Upamecano’s imminent contract renewal. Despite Schlotterbeck’s personal preference for Bayern (due to family ties), the Bavarians are no longer actively pursuing him, removing a major European rival and opening the door wider for Premier League suitors.
Schlotterbeck, valued at €50-60m (£43-52m), offers elite attributes that align seamlessly with Slot’s possession-based system: exceptional distribution, line-breaking passes, aerial dominance, recovery pace, and leadership—qualities that could provide a transformative upgrade and long-term successor in defense. He has been a mainstay at Dortmund since 2022 (over 100 appearances, key in their 2024 Champions League final run) and holds consistent Germany caps. His contract runs until 2027, with extension talks stalled, making Dortmund potentially open to a sale if the price is met—though they prefer to retain him unless an elite offer arrives.
Liverpool have held positive early discussions with Schlotterbeck’s representatives (per TEAMtalk and other sources), and pundits like those at Anfield Watch describe him as a “no-brainer” for replacing lost playmaking depth (post-Trent Alexander-Arnold exit) and addressing vulnerabilities exposed by injuries and form. With the January window closing on February 2, 2026, activity remains quiet—no major incomings confirmed, focus on stability ahead of the Burnley clash on January 17—but this twist positions Schlotterbeck as a prime summer target.
Fan discussions on platforms like X reflect mixed emotions: disappointment over Guéhi but excitement that Schlotterbeck could prove a superior, more dynamic addition. Slot has emphasized patience and squad maximization amid PSR compliance and a packed schedule, but securing Schlotterbeck would represent smart, high-impact business in the ongoing rebuild. Whether Liverpool accelerate plans or wait for summer remains to be seen, but Bayern’s withdrawal and City’s Guéhi swoop have undeniably tilted the scales in Anfield’s favour for one of Europe’s premier young defenders. (Word count: 852)
