Liverpool Planning ‘Lowball’ Marc Guehi Offer Ahead of Crystal Palace Contract Expiry

Anfield Side Eye Bargain Deal for England International Defender

Liverpool’s transfer machine appears to be shifting gears into full motion, and their next target is catching plenty of attention—both for his talent and the club’s reported valuation of him. According to multiple sources including the Daily Mail, Liverpool are preparing a £30 million bid for Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi, a fee that could fall dramatically short of Palace’s expectations but may prove persuasive due to the defender’s contract situation.

What Happened?

In what some are already calling a “lowball move,” Liverpool are preparing to table a £30m offer for Marc Guehi, one of the standout defenders of the past two Premier League campaigns. Guehi, who played a pivotal role in Crystal Palace’s surprising FA Cup triumph over Manchester City, is entering the final year of his contract at Selhurst Park.

While Palace reportedly value the 24-year-old at around £70m, the looming expiry of his deal may back the South London club into a corner. It’s a classic case of Premier League brinkmanship: hold out for a bigger offer and risk losing the player for free, or cash in now and accept less than what you believe he’s worth.

The Bigger Picture

Crystal Palace v Manchester City – Emirates FA Cup Final

There’s no denying Guehi’s quality. Since joining Palace from Chelsea in 2021, he’s developed into one of the league’s most consistent and composed centre-backs. His performances have earned him senior England caps and, most recently, widespread praise for his commanding display in Palace’s historic 2024-25 FA Cup Final win at Wembley.

With Virgil van Dijk still marshalling the Liverpool backline and Ibrahima Konate battling injury concerns and contract limbo, the Reds are in need of defensive reinforcement—especially with Jarell Quansah reportedly set for a move to Bayer Leverkusen. Guehi represents not just cover, but real competition and potential succession.

Why Guehi, and Why Now?

Liverpool have rarely acted without a long-term plan in recent years, and this move feels no different. Guehi is Premier League-proven, tactically intelligent, and still just 24. He ticks nearly every box for a team that knows it has to refresh parts of its ageing core while maintaining standards at the highest level.

Timing is also crucial. With his contract winding down, Guehi is in the perfect window where Palace might be forced to negotiate. For the Reds, this is an opportunity to land a player worth double the price on paper—especially in an era where English premiums inflate transfer values.

Sources close to the player suggest Guehi is open to the idea of moving to Anfield, especially with Champions League football back on the cards and a new era beginning under Arne Slot. While other Premier League clubs have shown interest, Liverpool’s profile and project may give them a crucial edge.

How Palace Might Respond

Crystal Palace find themselves in an unenviable position. They hold a valuable asset, but one who could walk for free in less than a year. If they accept Liverpool’s £30m offer, they may be accused of selling short. If they refuse and Guehi sees out his contract, they risk getting nothing.

Palace chairman Steve Parish has played hardball in previous transfer windows, so it remains to be seen how far Liverpool will have to push to get a deal over the line. But the leverage, for once, might be on the buying side.

Did You Know?

• Marc Guehi made 38 appearances in all competitions last season, including every minute of Palace’s FA Cup run.
• His defensive stats are elite: he ranks in the top 5% of Premier League defenders for aerial duels won and clearances.
• Guehi was once part of Chelsea’s youth system but never made a Premier League appearance for the Blues.

What This Means for Liverpool’s Squad

The arrival of Guehi would give Liverpool four front-line centre-back options: Van Dijk, Konate, Joe Gomez, and Guehi himself. With Joel Matip having already departed, there’s definitely room in the squad.

It could also allow for tactical flexibility. Guehi is comfortable in both a back four and back three, giving Arne Slot options as he stamps his identity on this Liverpool side.

And let’s not forget: Van Dijk isn’t getting any younger. Bringing in a long-term successor now, while the Dutchman is still performing at an elite level, could ensure continuity rather than upheaval later.

What Next for Liverpool?

Liverpool FC v Crystal Palace FC – Premier League

This move comes amid an already busy summer. Milos Kerkez has arrived to bolster the left side of defence, while Jeremie Frimpong and Florian Wirtz have also been announced in what has been one of the most ambitious windows in recent Liverpool memory.

However, departures are also expected. Darwin Nunez and Harvey Elliott have both been linked with moves away, potentially making room for new arrivals both financially and tactically.

Final Thoughts: A Smart Gamble or Lowball Insult?

Will Liverpool’s bid be seen as shrewd business or an insult to Crystal Palace? It depends on how this plays out. If they get Guehi for £30m, it’s a masterstroke. If Palace refuse to sell and he ends up leaving for free next summer, the Eagles could be left kicking themselves.

For now, all eyes are on the negotiation table. One thing’s for sure: Liverpool aren’t waiting around this summer. And with Guehi potentially on his way to Anfield, this squad revamp is starting to look very serious indeed.