Liverpool to Hold Fresh Marc Guehi Talks After Facing Crystal Palace in the Community Shield

Reds Eye Palace Captain as Transfer Window Pressure Builds

Liverpool’s defensive recruitment plans might be about to get very personal. Not only will they face Marc Guehi on the pitch at Wembley this Sunday in the Community Shield, but if Mail Sport’s reports prove accurate, they could be sitting down with him — or at least his representatives — within days of the final whistle.

It’s a scenario that sums up the frenetic, intertwined world of modern football. On one hand, Guehi is set to lead Crystal Palace out in a bid to claim another piece of silverware under Oliver Glasner. On the other, the England international is firmly in Liverpool’s sights as the club desperately tries to bolster a defence that’s been stretched to breaking point this summer.

The Stage Before the Talks

First, the football. The Community Shield is more than just a curtain-raiser. For Palace, it’s a chance to add to their FA Cup triumph and to send a clear message that their recent upturn under Glasner is no fluke. For Liverpool, it’s the opportunity to keep their winning momentum rolling after lifting the Premier League title — and perhaps to scout their primary defensive target in the most high-pressure of auditions.

Guehi is no stranger to the spotlight. At 24, he’s captained Palace with a maturity beyond his years and has become a fixture in Gareth Southgate’s England squads. But the prospect of stepping up to Liverpool, with its relentless expectation and Champions League ambitions, is an entirely different challenge.

Liverpool’s Defensive Dilemma

Marc Guehi

It’s no secret: Liverpool’s centre-back department is paper-thin. Virgil van Dijk remains the rock at the heart of the defence, but beyond him, the options are limited. Joe Gomez is sidelined through injury, Ibrahima Konaté is the subject of persistent transfer rumours, and promising youngster Jarell Quansah has already moved on this summer.

The situation has been so acute that Jürgen Klopp — or rather his coaching staff during pre-season — has been forced to deploy midfielders Ryan Gravenberch and Wataru Endo as makeshift centre-halves. That’s not exactly the kind of tactical innovation you want to be relying on when the season starts in earnest.

The Price of Stability

Crystal Palace know what they have in Guehi, and they’re not about to let him leave without a fight — or a hefty cheque. The reported asking price is around £45 million ($61m). It’s a fair sum for a player with just one year left on his contract, but in the context of Premier League spending, it’s hardly outrageous for a proven England international.

From Palace’s perspective, there’s a balancing act to be struck. Holding on to Guehi for another season would strengthen their chances of building on last year’s success, but the risk is losing him for nothing next summer. That’s a scenario no club in their position wants to face.

Chelsea Cool Interest

Earlier in the window, Chelsea were rumoured to be sniffing around their former academy product. Guehi came through the ranks at Cobham before moving to Palace in 2021, and a return was thought to be on the cards. But the latest reports suggest the Blues have cooled their interest, focusing instead on attacking reinforcements such as Xavi Simons and Alejandro Garnacho.

That leaves Liverpool in what appears to be pole position. Newcastle United have also been credited with an interest, but their recruitment energy has been directed elsewhere in recent weeks, particularly in pursuit of AC Milan’s Malick Thiaw.

Sunday’s Dual Roles

The irony is delicious: on Sunday afternoon, Guehi’s job will be to stop Liverpool from scoring. By Sunday night or Monday morning, the same club could be trying to persuade him to swap Selhurst Park for Anfield.

Palace fans will want him fully focused on the task at hand. Winning a second trophy in the space of a few months would be a landmark achievement for the club, especially if it comes against the reigning champions. Guehi’s leadership at the back will be crucial, particularly against a Liverpool frontline that’s as dangerous and unpredictable as any in Europe.

Guehi’s Perspective

While Guehi is understood to be open to a move to Liverpool, there’s no suggestion he will push for a transfer in disruptive fashion. Those close to the player say he remains committed to Palace and will give everything while he’s still wearing the captain’s armband.

It’s an attitude that will appeal to Liverpool. Klopp has always valued professionalism and team-first mentality in his recruits, and Guehi’s calm authority would be a natural fit in a dressing room that’s lost some big voices in recent years.

A Key Decision Looms

The Community Shield could prove pivotal for more than just bragging rights. A standout performance from Guehi would only strengthen Liverpool’s conviction — and perhaps their urgency — to get a deal done before the window slams shut.

Palace, meanwhile, may decide that cashing in now is the sensible option. With the money from a Guehi sale, they could reinvest in younger defensive talent or bolster their attack for another tilt at European qualification.

Liverpool’s Timeline

Virgil van Dijk Marc Guehi

With the Premier League season looming, Liverpool can’t afford to wait too long. Even if Guehi signs, he would need time to integrate into the squad, learn the defensive systems, and adapt to the higher tempo and expectations.

The hope is that by moving swiftly after the Community Shield, Liverpool can have Guehi in place well before the end of August. The club’s hierarchy knows the dangers of scrambling for late-window deals — something they’ve been burned by in previous seasons.

The Final Whistle — And Then?

Once the final whistle blows at Wembley, attention will quickly shift from on-field battles to boardroom negotiations. The “enemy for 90 minutes, target for the next 90 days” dynamic is one of football’s stranger quirks, but it’s one that Liverpool and Palace seem set to navigate in the coming weeks.

For Guehi, the choice will be clear: stay and lead Palace into another season of progress under Glasner, or make the leap to Anfield and test himself at the very top of the game. For Liverpool, the stakes are even higher. Get this deal right, and they could solve their defensive crisis for years to come. Get it wrong, and the season could unravel before it’s even begun.