Liverpool have officially stepped up their pursuit of Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi, submitting a £35 million bid to secure his services before the summer transfer window closes. The move, widely anticipated throughout the week, has now been formalized, sparking intense negotiations as the deadline looms.

Liverpool’s £35m Proposal

The Athletic’s David Ornstein confirmed that Liverpool submitted an official proposal worth £35 million for the 25-year-old centre-back. The initial offer came as a flat fee with no add-ons, a structure that failed to meet Palace’s valuation of £40 million. Despite that, it represented a strong signal of intent from Liverpool, who have been working behind the scenes to reinforce their defensive options.

Shortly after, The Times’ Paul Joyce reported that Liverpool returned with a second bid. This improved offer kept the fee at £35m but included a 10 percent sell-on clause. Crystal Palace, however, remain insistent: their stance is that Guehi will only be sold if the deal reaches £35m plus £5m in add-ons.

Crystal Palace’s Firm Stance

Palace manager Oliver Glasner made it clear on Friday that he did not want to lose his captain so late in the transfer window. With little time remaining to identify and secure a replacement, Palace are reluctant to weaken their squad. Glasner insisted Guehi is vital to his plans and emphasized that letting him leave without securing reinforcements would be reckless.

At the same time, the club faces a difficult situation. Guehi’s current contract runs into its final year, and the defender has shown no intention of signing an extension. If Palace do not sell now, they risk losing him for free next summer.

Guehi’s Preferred Destination

One of the most telling factors in this transfer saga is Guehi’s personal choice. The England international has already made it clear that his preferred destination is Anfield. By choosing Liverpool, Guehi has effectively shut the door on a potential bidding war and limited Palace’s negotiating leverage.

His determination to join Liverpool strengthens the Reds’ position and puts pressure on Palace to reconsider their stance. For Guehi, the chance to move to a Champions League club, play under Arne Slot, and compete at the highest level of English and European football is a significant step in his career.

Palace’s Transfer Options

Despite Glasner’s reluctance, Palace are not blind to the possibility of losing their captain. Ornstein reported that work continues at Selhurst Park to identify reinforcements. Several names have been linked, including Manchester City’s Manuel Akanji and Monaco’s Mohammed Salisu.

Talks for Toulouse’s Jaydee Canvot are also at an advanced stage, though he is not viewed as a direct replacement for Guehi. Palace know they must strengthen their backline regardless of Guehi’s future, but finding a ready-made leader like him at such short notice is no small task.

Liverpool Reject Gomez Loan Suggestion

In an interesting twist, reports emerged that Palace hoped to include Joe Gomez in the deal on loan. Liverpool, however, quickly dismissed the suggestion. Gomez, who has been with Liverpool since 2015, is the club’s longest-serving player and offers invaluable versatility across the defence.

With his ability to cover both full-back and centre-back roles, Liverpool view Gomez as untouchable in this negotiation. His presence is considered essential, especially in a season where squad depth will be tested across multiple competitions.

Transfer Deadline Pressure

The clock is ticking. The transfer window closes at 7pm on Monday, leaving Liverpool and Palace only a short window to reach an agreement. If a compromise is not found, the possibility of revisiting the deal in January could arise, though Liverpool’s aggressive approach suggests they want the defender now.

For Liverpool, signing Guehi would be a statement. With Virgil van Dijk in the latter stages of his career, Joel Matip’s departure earlier in the window, and Ibrahima Konaté struggling with consistency, Guehi represents both a present-day starter and a long-term pillar for the club’s defence.

What This Means for Liverpool?

Adding Guehi would instantly strengthen Liverpool’s defensive line. His leadership qualities, ball-playing ability, and Premier League experience make him an ideal fit for Arne Slot’s system. At just 25, he has the potential to anchor Liverpool’s defence for years to come.

Moreover, Guehi’s arrival would provide healthy competition and rotation options alongside Konaté, Gomez, and youngster Jarell Quansah. For a club aiming to challenge for both the Premier League and the Champions League, such depth is not just a luxury but a necessity.

The Road Ahead

Whether Liverpool meet Palace’s demand of £35m plus £5m in add-ons remains to be seen. What is clear is that Guehi has set his sights on Anfield, and Liverpool are determined to bring him in before the deadline.

The coming hours will be decisive. Palace must weigh the risk of holding onto a player unwilling to extend his contract, while Liverpool must decide how far they are willing to push to get their man.

As things stand, negotiations are ongoing, and fans of both clubs are braced for a dramatic conclusion to this high-profile transfer saga.