Liverpool have reportedly abandoned their pursuit of Marc Guehi, with Chelsea and Newcastle United among those still interested in the Crystal Palace defender.
According to Caught Offside, Liverpool are no longer in the race for Marc Guehi, with the reason for their exit unknown. The Crystal Palace defender is a man in demand following Chelsea and Newcastle United’s longstanding interest, although a January move seems unlikely.
Crystal Palace dug deep in the summer window to keep hold of star defender Marc Guehi despite Newcastle’s persistent chase of the centre-back. With the Magpies still expected to make a move for the England international, the likelihood of the Eagles caving in six months after refusing four reported bids seems unlikely.
Guehi is key to their plans for the remainder of the season, as they will decide on his future next summer. Once the season ends, there’s a bigger chance for Guehi to de=part as his contract situation could force Palace to make a deal with a top suitor.
The Magpies are expected to return with an offer then, while Chelsea are also interested in re-signing the centre-back they sold to Palace. The Blues are short of defenders following the inquiries to Wesley Fofana and Benoit Badiashile, as Enzo Maresca will probably need another centre-back in their ranks for the present and future.
However, the Blues have turned into a club cautious about their wage bill, and Guehi’s demands to return would reportedly price them out of a deal. Should they try and make a move in January, Palace are likely to demand an unprecedented amount of money, which will put off most of his suitors.
Liverpool out of Marc Guehi race?
Liverpool had eyes on Guehi as one of the long-term replacements for Virgil van Dijk, with the Dutchman’s future still not resolved with six months remaining on his deal. Hence, the Merseysiders might have thought about signing the 24-year-old next summer. However, the report states they are out of the race for the Palace star, with the reasons for their withdrawal still unclear.
One might assume Liverpool would have backed out due to a potential high price or even Guehi’s desire to join elsewhere, with stories stating he’s keen on rejoining Chelsea. Liverpool were reportedly open to paying big, but that may not matter as they might have their reasons for not pursuing the 24-year-old Palace star.
