Liverpool step up efforts to sign Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi

Liverpool have stepped up their pursuit of Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi, though no club-to-club talks or official bids have been initiated, according to journalist David Ornstein.

Meanwhile, the Premier League champions have yet to agree on personal terms with the England international, who could potentially depart Palace for free in 2026, with just one year remaining on his current contract.

The 25-year-old shone once more for the Eagles against his suitors in the FA Community Shield, securing victory over the Reds via penalties after a 2-2 draw in regular time, marking their second consecutive trophy in recent years.

Liverpool, actively seeking to enhance their attacking options with Newcastle’s Alexander Isak, are also considering strengthening their defense, with Guehi among the potential targets under consideration.

With Jarell Quansah sold, Liverpool are left with only Virgil van Dijk, the injured Joe Gomez, and Ibrahima Konaté, whose contract is nearing its end, highlighting an urgent need for defensive reinforcement.

Ornstein indicates that the Palace captain wants assurances for more game time in his quest to secure a spot in England’s World Cup squad.

🚨 Liverpool in talks with Crystal Palace for Marc Guehi. No bid yet but #LFC stepping up efforts. Player terms also need agreeing – England defender wants game time assurances before WC. If no move now 25yo will leave #CPFC for free in 2026 @TheAthleticFC https://t.co/zIdLPaVKHd
— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) August 12, 2025

According to Fabrizio Romano, David Ornstein, and Ben Jacobs, negotiations between Liverpool and Palace regarding Guehi are underway.

Jacobs also notes that Liverpool are pushing for the Eagles to reduce their €46 million asking price, while Romano indicates that personal terms have already been agreed.

However, Fabrizio reports that negotiations with Palace are progressing for a total package around £35 million, with the deal expected to be finalized shortly alongside Giovanni Leoni from Parma.

🚨 Liverpool have agreed personal terms with Marc Guehi! Giovanni Leoni is also keen on the move.

Negotiations underway with Palace for fee around £35m as total package, deal could be done soon.#LFC work on both Guehi and Leoni, NOT alternative as revealed today. pic.twitter.com/iOLOgatnd1
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 12, 2025

Leoni is expected to be sold for a reported fee €50 million after the Serie A club rejected a €35 million bid from Chelsea earlier this summer.

If Liverpool secures both players alongside top target Isak, their summer spending could surpass €500 million, eclipsing Chelsea’s record €464 million outlay in 2023 and setting a new benchmark for a single club’s transfer window.