Liverpool’s deadline-day move for Marc Guehi has dramatically collapsed, despite the Crystal Palace captain completing a medical and a deal sheet being submitted.
Softfootball understands that the £35 million switch fell apart late on Friday after Palace failed to land a replacement defender.
Palace had lined up Brighton’s Igor Julio as a successor, but the Brazilian instead chose a transfer to West Ham. That setback forced Palace to withdraw from talks, leaving Guehi’s move to Anfield dead in the water.
Head coach Oliver Glasner had opposed losing his captain without a proper replacement. Although the club sealed the signing of 19-year-old Jaydee Canvot from Toulouse, Glasner insisted the teenager could not fill Guehi’s role at the heart of defence.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano confirmed the collapse on his official X account, writing:
“Marc Guehi-Liverpool deal has COLLAPSED. Despite medical done and deal sheet submitted, Crystal Palace don’t approve the move following Igor deal off. Guehi stays at #CPFC.”
Guehi, who has one year remaining on his contract, will now remain at Selhurst Park — though his long-term future is uncertain. Without an extension, Palace risk losing him for free next summer.
For Liverpool, the collapse leaves Jurgen Klopp’s squad short of depth in central defence. The Reds now head into the new season with just three senior centre-backs, Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konaté, and Joe Gomez, alongside young prospect Giovanni Leoni.
At Palace, however, the late U-turn ensures they retain their captain and defensive leader, even if tensions remain over transfer strategy.
