Marc Guéhi wasn't let go by Newcastle United to Liverpool (Credits: Imago Images)
Despite having a record-breaking summer, Arne Slot will be holding tight ropes when it comes to the backline. To solve this problem, Liverpool tried to sign Marc Guéhi in the closing hours of the summer transfer window.
Unfortunately, the Reds were met with last-minute rejection for a transfer of the Crystal Palace captain. This was followed by the Eagles’ failure to find a player to replace the Englishman.
Tension brewed strongly at Selhurst Park as Austrian manager Oliver Glasner and Palace chairman Steve Parish were standing opposed.
Parish was willing to sell Marc Guéhi as the defender would bring in a significant financial boost to the club. However, Glasner had clarified his plans for the player months before.
The Palace gaffer was willing to sell the defender only if the club had managed to sign sufficient reinforcements in his stead. With the transfer window clock running down and no replacements in sight, Glasner was furious with the decision to continue the sale.
The Austrian was even willing to walk away if Guéhi was sent off to Anfield. Luckily for the manager, things turned his way as the club decided to pull the plug on the deal.
Quiz: Can you name the team Liverpool sold these players to?
Marc Guéhi will be signed as a free agent
Everyone expected Liverpool to plan for the winter transfer window, as defence will be a priority if Arne Slot wants to continue challenging for titles.
Subsequently, The Times have reported that this might not be the case at all. With earlier reports suggesting a £10m discount on the defender’s ask price in January, it was a no-brainer to fill the gap in the heart of Anfield’s defence.
Although Arne Slot seems to be planning on holding the line. The management seems to be on a free hunt for the Englishman. However, it will be difficult considering the fact that Crystal Palace won’t be keen on such a deal.
They will want to see some rightful remuneration on their skipper’s departure, hence they’ll be going full force to offload the player in January.
Guéhi has made his intentions clear regarding contract renewal. The Englishman doesn’t want to stay at Selhurst Park and was very keen on his Anfield departure this summer.
However, it will be an uphill climb for Liverpool as they can’t fend off other strong interests in January. Slot will have to see how things unfold in the following months and will have to plan accordingly.
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