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Liverpool given green light to complete Marc Guehi signing: report

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Liverpool target Marc Guehi has 12 months left on his deal at Selhurst Park

Liverpool target defender Marc Guehi is entering the last 12 months of his contract
Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi is entering the last 12 months of his contract (Image credit: Getty Images)

Liverpool could have been handed a huge boost in their pursuit of Marc Guehi.

Guehi, 24, is in the final 12 months of his current deal at Selhurst Park and has begun attracting interest from the likes of Liverpool, Chelsea and Arsenal.

But with Palace said to be advancing in their hopes of bringing in a suitable replacement in the background, Guehi's future could soon be resolved before the beginning of the 2025/26 Premier League campaign.

Liverpool given 'green light' to sign Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi

Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi is attracting interest from Liverpool

Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi is attracting interest from Liverpool (Image credit: Getty Images)

After lifting the FA Cup with the Eagles last season, Guehi now looks set to play European football for the first time in his career, with Oliver Glasner's side having qualified for the Europa League.

But with various offers said to be arriving from teams in the Champions League, the England international has a huge couple of months ahead. Does he stay and leave as a free transfer next year, or do Palace cash in now and accept their fate?

Tottenham Hotspur target Oliver Glasner of Crystal Palace during the Premier League match between Chelsea FC and Crystal Palace FC at Stamford Bridge on September 1, 2024 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Sebastian Frej/MB Media/Getty Images) Crystal Palace squad for 2024/25

Oliver Glasner has done a terrific job at Selhurst Park (Image credit: Getty Images)

With Guehi being carefully watched by Liverpool, it looks like the Eagles have now agreed a deal for his replacement. A Bola in Portugal say the reigning FA Cup holders are set to splash €55m (£47.1m) on 21-year-old defender Ousmane Diomande.

Diomande is one of the most highly sought-after centre-backs in Europe, having shone for the Portuguese outfit over the last 18 months. The Ivory Coast international has a €80m (£68.5m) release clause, but Palace have been able to bring his fee down substantially.

A five-year contract is also cited in the report, with Glasner adding further defensive options ahead of what could be a busy campaign for his side. With Diomande set to complete his switch, it seems preparations for Guehi's exit are now moving ahead.

FourFourTwo previously reported on Liverpool's interest in the Three Lions international, who could move to Anfield for as little as £40-45m this summer, even after Newcastle's well-publicised failed move for Guehi in the last 12 months.

LISBON, PORTUGAL - NOVEMBER 2: Ousmane Diomande of Sporting CP during the Allianz Cup match between Sporting CP and SC Farense at Estadio Jose Alvalade on November 2, 2023 in Lisbon, Portugal. (Photo by Gualter Fatia/Getty Images)

Ousmane Diomande looks to be on his way to Crystal Palace (Image credit: Getty Images)

In FourFourTwo's view, Diomande looks to be a remarkable pick-up given his age and experience already. In terms of a replacement for Guehi, there doesn't look to be many better in the market.

Liverpool will be happy to learn of the Eagles' transfer business, with it clear they want to strike the right deal for Guehi before the start of the new season.

Matthew Holt
Matthew Holt

Matthew Holt writes freelance for FourFourTwo, amongst others, and boasts previous experience at GOAL and SPORTBible. He now works with us alongside his time at Manchester United and Reach PLC, aiding with online content for the website. Career highs include working at the FA Cup final, as well as scoring at Old Trafford in front of the Stretford End. A long-term sufferer of his beloved Scunthorpe United, he is often seen on the padel court, as well as occasionally as a six-a-side call-up.

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