Marc Guehi will remain at Crystal Palace after his proposed deadline-day transfer to Liverpool collapsed, Afrosport reports.
Liverpool had agreed a deal worth around £35 million for the England international, which also included a 10% sell-on clause. Guehi was granted permission to travel to Merseyside, where he successfully completed a medical and was set to sign a long-term contract until 2030.
Despite the Reds submitting the deal sheet on time, Palace refused to sanction the transfer after failing to secure a replacement. The FA Cup holders brought in Jaydee Canvot from Toulouse on a four-year deal but saw their late move for Brighton defender Igor Julio collapse, with the Brazilian preferring a switch to West Ham United.
As a result, Guehi is now expected to remain at Selhurst Park at least until January. His current contract expires at the end of the season, and unless new terms are agreed, the 25-year-old could depart on a free transfer next summer.
Guehi captained Palace in their 3-0 win over Aston Villa on Sunday, playing the full 90 minutes and scoring. Head coach Oliver Glasner reiterated his determination to keep hold of the centre-back for the season but admitted that any potential departure would only be considered if the “right replacement” was secured.
“He’s so professional and it was clear he would play today,” Glasner said in his post-match press conference. “I can say it with clarity, and I said it to the chairman that it’s nothing to do with Oliver Glasner but we need to keep Marc to play a successful season.
“We had a meeting in March where we talked about the situation so again we know how the situation is and we have an agreement that we could sell Marc if we have the right replacement in. We wanted to have this replacement at the beginning of the pre-season to be independent from this situation.
“That was on July 9 (the season started), it’s August 31 and there is no replacement in the building so it’s clear one part of the agreement is not fulfilled that means we can’t sell Marc.
“It’s not a wish or gift for Oliver Glasner, it’s necessary for playing a successful season. We had a great start and I think our fans deserve to have the best players available. I know if we don’t sell Marc, he will accept it. He loves the club and team, he feels the appreciation and we feel the same from his side. That’s why I have to say we need to keep him.”
Guehi played a pivotal role in Palace’s 1-0 win over Manchester City in the FA Cup in May. He also started their Community Shield triumph over Liverpool last month as the Eagles lifted two titles within three months.
Palace are in Europe for the first time this season and will play in the UEFA Conference League after being demoted from the Europa League.
