Liverpool’s summer transfer splurge appears set to continue as they reportedly edge closer to signing Marc Guehi. The Crystal Palace defender has attracted interest from several top-flight clubs after it emerged he was unlikely to renew his contract at Selhurst Park, which only has a year remaining. However, Liverpool are now said to be in pole position and discussions between all parties are expected within the next 24 hours.
This would be another impressive piece of business by Liverpool, who have already spent nearly £200million on top-tier talent following their title victory. The Premier League champions have secured Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen for a record-breaking £116million, Milos Kerkez from Bournemouth for £40million, and Jeremie Frimpong from Leverkusen for £30million. This demonstrates a significant show of ambition by Liverpool and their owners, Fenway Sports Group, and it would be a major coup to outmanoeuvre rivals such as Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur for Guehi’s signature.
However, there are still obstacles to overcome. According to the Mirror, Palace reportedly value their England centre-back at around £70million but understand that potential buyers will not meet this valuation given Guehi’s contract situation.
Nevertheless, they will hold out for a fee exceeding £40million, especially considering Chelsea included a 20 percent sell-on clause when they sold Guehi to Palace for £18million in 2021. Liverpool may have to assure Guehi of regular playing time, given the numerous options available to him.
Jarell Quansah is set to depart for Bayer Leverkusen after finding opportunities limited under Arne Slot, who favours Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate as his central defensive duo. Konate’s contract is up in a year, casting doubt over whether he will pen a new deal. However, Guehi could be an excellent long-term acquisition for Liverpool, with his 25th birthday just weeks away.
He has earned 23 England caps and is expected to be included in Thomas Tuchel’s squad for next summer’s World Cup. In addition to their three marquee signings, Liverpool have also brought in goalkeepers Armin Pesci and Freddie Woodman, despite last summer’s agreement for Valencia’s Giorgi Mamardashvili to join Slot’s team when they reconvene for training on July 8.
Should Liverpool secure Guehi’s signature, it would likely conclude their summer transfer activity, despite ongoing links to Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak.
A version of this article first appeared on the Mirror website
Content Source: www.express.co.uk