Liverpool in Talks to Sign Palace Skipper Marc Guehi

Liverpool have opened preliminary discussions over a potential move for Crystal Palace and England defender Marc Guehi before the close of the summer transfer window, Sport360NG reports.

Guehi, who has captained Palace and is entering the final year of his contract, could be sold to prevent the club from losing him for free next year. Palace chairman Steve Parish admitted earlier this week that a sale was possible under the circumstances.

According to BBC Sport sources, Liverpool are keen to bring the 25-year-old to Anfield, though persuading him to make the switch may require assurances over his role in the squad. With the 2026 World Cup on the horizon, regular first-team football will be a key factor in Guehi’s decision, alongside personal terms.

The centre-back has been a mainstay at Selhurst Park since his £18m move from Chelsea in 2021, making over 150 appearances and earning 23 England caps since his debut in 2022. He featured in the Three Lions squad that finished runners-up at Euro 2024. Newcastle United reportedly offered up to £65m for him last summer, but Palace are now believed to value him at around £40m given his contract situation, while Liverpool are aiming to negotiate a lower fee.

The Reds are also working on a deal for Parma’s highly rated 18-year-old defender Giovanni Leoni. The Italy U19 international, who began his career at Padova and had brief spells at Sampdoria before moving to Parma last year, is viewed as a long-term prospect rather than a direct alternative to Guehi.

Liverpool have already spent close to £270m on new signings this summer, offset by around £170m in player sales. Their transfer activity also included a £110m bid for Newcastle striker Alexander Isak, which was rejected, though the Swedish forward is understood to still be eager for the move. If Liverpool secure both Guehi and Isak, their total summer outlay would surpass £400m.