Liverpool are moving swiftly in the summer transfer window. The Merseyside club is reportedly preparing a major bid for Crystal Palace defender Marc Guéhi following reports that Jarell Quansah is set to leave Anfield.
Liverpool’s plan to reinforce their backline is becoming increasingly concrete. With Jarell Quansah strongly linked to a move to Bayer Leverkusen, club management is already searching for a suitable replacement. The 22-year-old defender is said to be nearing a departure, with a transfer fee expected to be between £30 and £40 million. Leverkusen are reportedly keen to sign Quansah after successful dealings with Liverpool in previous transfer windows.
While Quansah made 25 appearances last season and showed promise, he has yet to establish himself as a regular starter. Despite having a long-term contract running until 2029, Liverpool are in a strong negotiating position and aim to maximize his market value. The funds from his sale are expected to be reinvested into signing a new centre-back — and Marc Guéhi tops the list of targets.
Marc Guéhi, Liverpool’s Priority Signing
One well-known player in the Premier League is Marc Guéhi. The 24-year-old centre-back has been a key figure at Crystal Palace since joining from Chelsea in 2021. Over the past three seasons, he has shown impressive consistency and leadership, even being handed the captain’s armband by manager Oliver Glasner.
During the 2024/2025 season, Guéhi made 34 league appearances, scoring three goals and providing two assists — an impressive record for a central defender. In total, he has made 155 appearances for Palace in all competitions, contributing eight goals and four assists. Calm under pressure, strong in one-on-one duels, and tactically astute, Guéhi is widely regarded as one of the top English centre-backs in the league.
Liverpool are reportedly ready to submit an official bid to Crystal Palace. The London club previously rejected a €70 million proposal (including bonuses) from Tottenham Hotspur in January. However, the situation has since changed. Guéhi is said to be unwilling to extend his current deal, which runs until 2026, and Palace may now be open to selling him for the right price.
Defensive Crisis Looms at Anfield
Liverpool’s defense is dealing with more than just Quansah’s possible exit. Ibrahima Konaté has yet to renew his contract, which expires in 2026, and Joe Gomez is reportedly exploring options for more regular playing time elsewhere. This puts Liverpool’s backline at risk of lacking depth and experience heading into the new season.
Guéhi is seen as an ideal fit for Liverpool’s playing style. As a homegrown player with extensive Premier League experience, he can slot into the squad seamlessly without a long adaptation period. His leadership qualities and defensive reliability also make him a candidate for a long-term role at the heart of Liverpool’s defense.
Part of Liverpool’s Broader Strategy
This summer, Liverpool are making bold moves in the transfer market. Having already secured Jeremie Frimpong from Bayer Leverkusen to replace Trent Alexander-Arnold, the Reds are also in advanced talks to sign rising midfielder Florian Wirtz from the same club. Both transfers are part of a broader effort to rejuvenate the squad following their Premier League triumph in 2024/2025.
Bringing in Guéhi would be a crucial step in restructuring the team. Liverpool is committed to improving their prospects of winning the Champions League in addition to retaining their supremacy at home. Signing a player of Guéhi’s caliber would solidify their defense and provide valuable depth across competitions.
If negotiations progress smoothly, Guéhi is expected to challenge immediately for a starting role alongside Virgil van Dijk and Frimpong. Liverpool should remain competitive at the highest level thanks to the blend of youthful energy and experience.