Liverpool’s attempt to sign Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi on transfer deadline day has collapsed, despite an agreement between the two clubs.
A £35 million deal, including a 10% sell-on clause, had been reached, with the 25-year-old England international granted permission to undergo a medical in London on Monday. Guehi was expected to sign a five-year contract with the reigning Premier League champions.
However, BBC Sport has learned that the transfer has been called off after Crystal Palace were unable to secure a suitable replacement in time.
Palace had identified Fiorentina defender Igor Julio as their top target, but he opted to join West Ham instead. As a result, Palace were unwilling to finalise Guehi’s departure without reinforcing their backline.
Despite completing two signings on deadline day—Toulouse centre-back Jaydee Canvot on a four-year deal and Getafe’s Christantus Uche on a season-long loan—the club had hoped to bring in two defensive reinforcements before allowing Guehi to leave.
Guehi captained Crystal Palace to a commanding 3-0 win over Aston Villa on Sunday night, scoring a stunning second goal. After the match, he declined to comment on his future.
It was a hectic day of transfer activity for Liverpool, who also reached an agreement with Newcastle United for striker Alexander Isak in a British record £125 million deal.
