Liverpool are on the verge of signing Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi for a £40 million transfer fee this week.
With just over two weeks remaining until the closure of the summer transfer window, it is certain that Liverpool still need to sign one or two more players before then. As manager Arne Slot has repeatedly emphasized, the club has let go of several players who played key roles in last season’s Premier League title triumph.
The departure of Ibrahima Konaté to Bayer Leverkusen for £35 million has left the Reds with only Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konaté, and Joe Gomez as experienced first-team center-backs for the new season. However, the club quickly signed 19-year-old defender Leo from Parma last week for a £26 million fee. Regardless, Crystal Palace captain Guehi remains an unmissable signing opportunity for the club’s hierarchy.
As early as March, Liverpool held talks with Guehi’s representatives. Since then, the club has reached an agreement with the England international on personal terms.
With his contract set to expire next summer and his price tag below market value, this opportunity is too good for Liverpool to pass up. Additionally, a key advantage of signing Guehi is that he is a homegrown player, which will help Liverpool meet the Premier League’s squad registration requirements.
However, Crystal Palace’s negotiating leverage is somewhat limited by Chelsea’s 20% sell-on clause. Liverpool are hopeful of completing the deal for the Crystal Palace captain this week.
Liverpool are currently in the final stages of the transaction, with the Merseyside giants arranging for a medical examination. Initially, Crystal Palace attempted to hold out for a £45 million fee, but the final price is likely to be close to the £40 million offer.
If all goes smoothly, Guehi could complete his move to Anfield by the end of this week.
