Glasner Blocks Guehi’s £35m Liverpool Move in Final Twist

Guehi’s £35m Liverpool Transfer Collapses as Glasner Forces Last-Minute U-Turn

The dramatic collapse of Marc Guehi’s £35m transfer to Liverpool on deadline day has left all parties stunned, as Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner effectively blocked the move at the eleventh hour, prioritizing his squad’s stability over financial gain.

The England international was set to join the Premier League champions, had completed a medical in London, and even had a farewell video prepared. But a lack of viable replacements led Palace to pull the plug on the deal—despite chairman Steve Parish earlier approving the transfer.

Glasner Emerges as the Winner

While £35m in cash would have been a lifeline for Palace’s recruitment budget, Glasner emerges as the tactical victor. The Austrian manager has just one year left on his contract, and retaining Guehi strengthens his hopes of a successful final season.

Glasner had repeatedly voiced frustration with Palace’s muted transfer activity, and losing Guehi would have deepened tensions. Blocking the move may have been his last play to assert control, and it worked—though it leaves the club financially exposed heading into the next window.

Liverpool’s Strategic Miss

For Liverpool, the failure to secure Guehi after a year of interest could prove costly. With Ibrahima Konate injured, Virgil van Dijk aging, and only Joe Gomez and 18-year-old Giovanni Leoni in reserve, the Reds may now find themselves one center-back short.

The club had prepared extensively for the Guehi move:

• Initiated formal talks after the Community Shield

• Submitted a £35m bid with a 10% sell-on clause

• Scheduled a full medical at their London offices

• Filed a deal sheet extension in hopes of finalizing things post-deadline

But as negotiations dragged on, Palace grew uneasy about their inability to land a replacement, especially after Igor Julio chose West Ham, Akanji declined, and Diomande proved too costly.

Guehi: Still in Control

Though Guehi remains at Selhurst Park, he’s not necessarily the loser here. He continues as club captain, plays regular Premier League football—a crucial factor in a World Cup year—and becomes a free agent next summer, massively increasing his personal earning power.

Guehi reportedly made it clear that Liverpool was his only preference, rejecting contract extensions and interest from Tottenham. He trained professionally, avoided agitation, and maintained integrity throughout the saga.

From January, he’ll be free to negotiate with European clubs, with elite sides across the continent and in the Premier League already circling.

Timeline: How the Deal Collapsed

• July: Guehi hints at a move; Liverpool prepare approach

• August 2–15: Liverpool submit and improve bids

• August 30: Guehi prepares to skip Villa game; Palace stall

• September 1: Guehi undergoes medical

• 6 PM: Parish meets Guehi in Soho; deal in jeopardy

• 7 PM: Deal sheet filed, but without a Palace replacement, transfer is killed

Final Thought

The failed transfer of Marc Guehi to Liverpool is a reminder of how squad dynamics, managerial politics, and transfer timing intersect to shape modern football. While Liverpool may try again next year—and likely succeed—Glasner ensured Palace kept their defensive cornerstone, at least for now.