Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi is “dead set on joining Liverpool”, according to journalist Simon Phillips.

After his move to Anfield collapsed on Deadline Day at the start of this month, there have been reports that other clubs, including Chelsea and Manchester City, could swoop in either in January or at the end of the season to secure the player’s signature. However, writing on his Substack, Phillips confirmed that Guehi only wants a transfer to the Reds:

“There is an awareness within the club that the centre back position can be improved still, and they are working to try and find Maresca the right profile that he wants in.”

“Marc Guehi is a player that Chelsea would like to sign, and he is universally liked by everyone at the club. However, the club have pretty much walked from that one because he is dead set on joining Liverpool and was never that keen to return to Chelsea anyway.”

Guehi has interest from foreign clubs

The centre-back, who has been capped 25 times by England, will be able to sign a pre-contract agreement with teams outside of England on January 1st.

Barcelona, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and others are believed to be circling Guehi, but it does appear as if he wants to stay in the Premier League, with a free transfer to Merseyside still on the cards.

Liverpool may need a replacement for Konate

The Reds’ decision to target Guehi is likely to have been influenced by Ibrahima Konate’s contract situation. Like Guehi, his current deal is set to expire in June next year.

Many believe that Konate will end up joining Trent Alexander-Arnold at Real Madrid, and if that happens, it looks like head coach Arne Slot already has his replacement lined up.

Read more about the Liverpool First Team Squad for 2025/26 here