Marc Guehi says his complete focus remains with Crystal Palace following the collapse of his proposed transfer deadline day switch to Liverpool. The England international had reached an agreement to join the Premier League champions in a £35miillion deal last month. However, Palace withdrew from negotiations after failing to secure a suitable replacement, leaving Guehi’s dream transfer in tatters.
Despite his frustration, the 25-year-old has maintained his excellent performances for the Eagles, who defeated Liverpool on penalties in the Community Shield before securing a 2-1 Premier League victory on Saturday to extend their club-record unbeaten streak across all competitions to 18 matches. Nevertheless, Guehi’s future appears destined to lie away from Selhurst Park. His current deal expires at the end of this season and he is unlikely to pen new terms.
The Reds maintain their interest in securing his services, though their position following deadline day was that they had no intention of reviving negotiations during the January transfer window. Whether this stance has altered following the serious injury sustained by Giovanni Leoni remains unclear.
However, ahead of Palace’s Conference League encounter at Dynamo Kyiv on Thursday, Guehi faced questions in the pre-match press conference regarding the failed Liverpool transfer.
“I don’t have much to say, to be honest,” he said. “I’m focused on playing football and playing for this club. But to the fans (I want to say) thank you very much for your support. I definitely feel it.”
Guehi, who will captain the FA Cup winners in their maiden fixture in a major European competition against Kyiv, continued: “It’s something I don’t think of at all. My only focus is on the club, I’m not too worried about any personal accolades. As long as the team is where it needs to be I’m happy.
“When you’ve tasted success you’re definitely not satisfied and do want more. Everyone at the club strives for more. We’ve seen what we can do. If we keep our heads down, hopefully we can have many more opportunities.”
The Reds tabled an opening bid of £35m to Palace just 48 hours before the transfer window closed, including a 10 per cent sell-on clause.
Whilst the Eagles had initially demanded £40m, an agreement was finally reached on deadline day to permit Guehi to complete his medical ahead of the 7pm deadline.
Following the completion of his medical examinations in London, the centre-back appeared poised to pen a five-year deal at Anfield.
However, Palace’s own pursuit of a replacement collapsed when Brighton and Hove Albion’s Julio Igor, who was on the verge of a loan switch, was targeted by West Ham United, prompting a dramatic U-turn.
This development had severe consequences for Guehi’s proposed transfer to Merseyside, with Eagles manager Oliver Glasner demanding that a suitable replacement must be secured.
Palace managed to finalise the signing of French youth international Jaydee Canvot on a four-year contract, though the 19 year old is not considered ready to fill Guehi’s boots at this point in his development.
