Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi is allowed to speak to other clubs from January as he enters the final six months of his contract at Selhurst Park with sides queuing for his signature
Marc Guehi is said to have a gentleman’s agreement(Image: Sebastian Frej/Getty Images)
Liverpool have a ‘gentleman’s agreement’ with Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi after seeing his move collapse when the Eagles pulled out of a deal last summer, according to Sky Sports. But the Reds could yet face a nervous wait in January with the England international drawing plenty of interest from around Europe.
Guehi will be allowed to speak to clubs from abroad in a matter of days and can sign a pre-contract agreement from the start of 2026 as he enters the final six months of his deal with the Eagles. Liverpool’s route would only be to agree a deal with Palace to claim the defender’s signature early rather than face a nervous wait for him to join for free in the summer.
The Reds plan to reinforce their backline, with a central defender their top priority for 2026 as Ibrahima Konate is set to leave the club at the end of his contract in the summer. Injury to Alexander Isak at the weekend could have changed their immediate priority, however.
That could be a risk with Bayern Munich and Real Madrid interested in doing a deal, and Barcelona could yet be prompted into action. The Catalan club want a new defender after Andreas Christensen’s injury.
Despite the imminent period of wheeling and dealing in the football world, Arne Slot is not thinking about the transfer window. “My only thoughts are on the upcoming two games,” the Liverpool booss said ahead of Saturday’s clash with Wolves.
READ MORE: Thomas Frank hits back at Arne Slot for calling out Spurs star after Alexander Isak injuryREAD MORE: Newcastle ‘seeking clarification’ as Eddie Howe addresses Chelsea controversy
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“Two difficult ones again, two home games. I think it’s a time for the players we do have available to do what they’ve done so many times, to roll their sleeves up, and not only our players, but our fans as well to help us in the best possible way to get the results we want.
“The players that are available need to give everything they have and the fans, as they usually do and I expect them to do now again as well, will help us. That is where my focus is.”
Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi is in high demand(Image: Getty Images)
But Slot did rule out recalling Harvey Elliott from his season-long loan with Aston Villa. Elliott has struggled for pitch-time at Villa, who’ll have to pay £30million to sign him permanently if he makes a certain number of appearances.
Slot said: “No, Harvey is an Aston Villa player and he is supposed to be going there for a season. So, questions about him, the best thing to ask is Aston Villa – they are doing really well, by the way.”
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Sky Sports discounted Premier League and EFL package
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Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle ahead of the 2025/26 season, saving members £192 and offering more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.
Sky will show at least 215 live Premier League games next season, an increase of up to 100 more.