Twist in Marc Guehi’s Liverpool Move as Crystal Palace Replacement Joins West Ham

A Deadline-Day Swerve That Leaves Liverpool Waiting

Transfer windows are rarely straightforward, and the case of Marc Guehi’s proposed switch to Liverpool is a perfect example of how one domino can affect another. Just as the Reds looked close to sealing a £35 million deal for the Crystal Palace defender, a sudden twist has left the move hanging in the balance.

Palace, who were keen to secure a ready-made replacement before green-lighting Guehi’s exit, had identified Igor Julio of Brighton as their top target. But in a dramatic late development, the Brazilian centre-back is now closing in on a move to West Ham United instead.

For Arne Slot and Liverpool, it means an anxious wait. For Crystal Palace, it means a frantic deadline day scramble.

What Happened?

Liverpool’s interest in Guehi has been one of the quieter but more persistent storylines of this transfer window. While the headlines have been dominated by big-money chases for strikers and midfielders across Europe, the Reds have been quietly looking to reinforce their defence.

With Virgil van Dijk approaching the twilight of his career and the injury concerns around Ibrahima Konaté, Liverpool identified Guehi as the perfect blend of youth, experience, and Premier League pedigree. At 24, the England international has established himself as one of the division’s most reliable defenders, combining composure on the ball with a sharp defensive instinct.

Talks advanced quickly, and a fee of around £35 million was broadly agreed. But Palace’s condition was clear: no replacement, no deal.

That’s where things began to unravel.

AFC Bournemouth v Brighton & Hove Albion FC – Premier League

The Bigger Picture: Palace’s Defensive Dilemma

Crystal Palace had hoped to land Igor Julio, who joined Brighton from Fiorentina in 2023. At 26, he was seen as a player with both experience and untapped potential — exactly the kind of defender who could step into Guehi’s shoes.

But football transfers rarely play out as planned. West Ham, in need of defensive reinforcements themselves, swooped in and are now close to completing a deal for Igor. For Palace, it means starting again on deadline day with limited options and limited time.

Sources close to the club suggest Palace still intend to sign not one but two centre-backs before the window shuts. That’s a tall order with just hours remaining, and until they secure those deals, Guehi’s move to Liverpool remains on hold.

Did You Know?

• Marc Guehi was part of Chelsea’s academy system before making a permanent move to Palace in 2021 for £18 million. Since then, his value has nearly doubled.

• Igor Julio made just 13 Premier League appearances for Brighton last season and spent four months sidelined with a hamstring injury. Palace saw him as a gamble worth taking, but West Ham’s offer of more guaranteed playing time swayed the player’s camp.

• Liverpool’s defensive record last season — despite finishing strongly — showed cracks. They conceded 41 goals in the league, more than both Arsenal and Manchester City. Slot has made tightening up at the back a clear priority.

Why Liverpool Want Guehi So Badly

Liverpool’s pursuit of Guehi isn’t just about numbers — it’s about planning for the future. Under Arne Slot, the Reds are expected to evolve into a side that presses aggressively but also builds patiently from the back.

Guehi fits that profile. Strong in one-on-one duels, comfortable playing out under pressure, and with leadership qualities honed at Selhurst Park, he’s seen as someone who can both partner Van Dijk now and eventually succeed him.

The fee of £35 million, while significant, looks modest compared to the current market where average defenders are going for eye-watering sums. For Liverpool, this deal feels like a must. For Palace, it feels like a major loss — hence their caution in letting him go without reinforcements.

West Ham’s Role in the Drama

It’s easy to forget that West Ham are more than just a supporting character in this story. By hijacking the move for Igor Julio, they’ve inadvertently complicated one of the biggest potential deadline-day deals.

For the Hammers, Igor represents a much-needed addition to a squad that has struggled for consistency in defence. With European fixtures on their calendar again, depth is crucial. From their perspective, the deal makes perfect sense. For Liverpool, however, it’s a frustrating obstacle.

The Domino Effect of Deadline Day

This is the chaos of deadline day in its purest form. One club’s move depends on another’s success in the market. A player choosing one destination over another can hold up an entire transfer chain.

• If Palace had signed Igor, Guehi would likely be packing his bags for Merseyside right now.

• Because Igor chose West Ham, Palace are scrambling.

• And because Palace are scrambling, Liverpool are sweating.

It’s a reminder that, no matter how big the clubs involved, football transfers often hinge on smaller, less predictable details.

What Next for Marc Guehi?

Marc Guehi Crystal Palace 2025-26

For Guehi himself, the situation must be frustrating. A move to Liverpool offers Champions League football, the chance to play under a progressive manager in Slot, and the opportunity to compete for major honours.

But until Palace resolve their own defensive issues, he remains stuck in limbo. Reports suggest that Liverpool remain confident the deal will eventually get done, but with time ticking down, the possibility of the move collapsing altogether cannot be ignored.

If Palace fail to secure replacements, they may have little choice but to hold on to their star defender until January.

Liverpool’s Perspective: A Waiting Game

For Arne Slot, this delay is far from ideal. He wants his squad finalised before the international break, giving him the chance to mould the team without distractions. Guehi was expected to be a key part of that puzzle.

Liverpool’s recruitment team have worked tirelessly this summer, but this episode shows the limits of even the best planning. Sometimes, in football, you’re at the mercy of circumstances beyond your control.

Palace’s Gamble

From Crystal Palace’s point of view, holding out makes sense. Guehi is too valuable to lose without proper replacements in place. But the risk is equally clear: if they fail to land anyone before the deadline, they risk having an unsettled player in the squad for the first half of the season.

Guehi has been a model professional, but like any ambitious player, he knows his time for a big move is now. Blocking that move could create tension. Palace’s board will be desperate to avoid that scenario.

Conclusion: Deadline-Day Drama in Full Swing

The twist in Marc Guehi’s Liverpool move perfectly captures the essence of deadline day — ambition, tension, and unpredictability.

For Liverpool, the deal makes perfect sense but hangs on circumstances they can’t fully control. For Palace, it’s about protecting themselves while trying not to alienate one of their best players. For West Ham, it’s about opportunism, seizing the chance to strengthen when it presented itself.

Whether Guehi ends up at Anfield by the end of the day or remains in south London until January, one thing is certain: this saga has underlined just how interconnected the transfer market is. A single deal can send ripples across multiple clubs. And as long as the window remains open, anything is possible.