Liverpool have received a definitive update regarding the future of Marc Guehi, with transfer authority Fabrizio Romano confirming the Crystal Palace captain’s "real intention" is to leave Selhurst Park as a free agent this summer. While this aligns perfectly with Fenway Sports Group’s (FSG) long-term financial planning, it has inadvertently opened the door for Manchester City to launch a high-stakes January hijack.
The update, carried by Yahoo Sports (via Romano’s daily briefing), clarifies the timeline that has dominated the winter window. Guehi, whose contract expires on June 30, 2026, has resisted all attempts from Palace to renew terms. His plan is to secure a lucrative move to a Champions League heavyweight ahead of the World Cup cycle.
The Strategy: Why Liverpool Are Waiting
Under sporting director Richard Hughes, Liverpool have adopted a position of calculated patience. The Reds view paying a reported ÂŁ35m-ÂŁ40m fee for a player available for nothing in five months as poor business practice, particularly given their compliance with Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR).
Romano stated: “I can tell you: The real intention of the player has always been to move in the summer on a free transfer. Liverpool are really pushing... but it’s on the player.”
From a tactical perspective, Arne Slot is reportedly happy to wait. The Dutchman views Guehi as the natural long-term successor to Virgil van Dijk (now 34), but with Ibrahima Konate and Jarell Quansah currently available, the immediate need is not critical enough to justify a panic buy. The plan is to sign Guehi on July 1, secure in the knowledge that the player prefers a move to Anfield.
The Threat: Man City’s Injury Crisis
However, Liverpool’s patience is being tested by Manchester City’s desperation. Unlike Liverpool, the champions cannot afford to wait. Following long-term injuries to key defenders, Pep Guardiola is reportedly demanding an immediate reinforcement.
City are willing to pay the £35m premium now to skip the queue. By meeting Palace’s valuation in January, they remove the player’s choice from the equation. If Palace accept a bid, Guehi will be forced to decide between joining City immediately or awkwardly staying at a club that has just agreed to sell him. Liverpool’s gamble relies entirely on Guehi having the nerve to reject City’s advances this month to hold out for his preferred switch to Merseyside.
Betting Market Reaction
The "timescale" update has caused a split in the betting markets. The odds on Guehi joining Liverpool in January have drifted significantly, while the price for a summer switch has shortened. Conversely, City have become the clear favourites to be his "next club" if the market is settled before February 1.
Keep an eye on the Marc Guehi next club odds as the deadline approaches. If City table a formal bid next week, as Romano suggests, Liverpool may be forced to abandon their financially prudent plan and match the offer to avoid losing their primary target forever.