Crystal Palace captain and defender Marc Guehi has finally spoken about his failed move to Liverpool. The 25-year-old English international was expected to join Liverpool from Crystal Palace for €35 million on the last day of the transfer window. However, the move fell through when Crystal Palace withdrew their permission, even after Guehi had already undergone medicals.
According to reports, Crystal Palace coach Oliver Glasner had informed the board that he wouldn’t continue as head coach if the club failed to provide a replacement for Guehi. The club couldn’t find a replacement and decided to revoke their permission for the defender to join Liverpool at the last minute, despite the risk of losing him for free next year if Liverpool doesn’t return after Konaté’s ghosting in their defeat to Galatasaray. On top of that, Liverpool also lost one of their center-backs and new signings, Leoni, to an ACL injury sustained in a carabo cup win against Southampton. Currently, they have only three center-backs for the rest of the season. With Konaté likely off to Real Madrid and being injury-prone, and Gomez rarely staying fit in a single season, that probably leaves only one fully active center-back in Van Dijk. Van Dijk might be the best active defender but he is of course only one person. This lack of defenders might cost Liverpool in the premier League especially as their biggest rivals Arsenal has the best defence in the PL
Guehi himself has remained an absolute professional, continuing to play for Palace. He even provided an assist that led to Palace’s win against Liverpool.
Speaking on his failed Liverpool move, according to sports journalist Fabrizio Romano, Guehi said:
“I don’t have much to say, to be honest… I’m focused on playing football and playing for Palace. But to the fans, I want to say thank you very much for your support. I definitely feel it.”