Marc Guehi sporting the Liverpool FC jersey during a recent match reflects ongoing transfer interest. Photo credit: Vietnam.vn/AFP
Credit: Vietnam.vn/AFP
Marc Guehi’s £35 million transfer from Crystal Palace to Liverpool collapsed at the last minute despite completing his medical and submitting paperwork to the Premier League, after Palace failed to secure a replacement defender before the September 1, 2025 transfer deadline.
Marc Guehi’s £35m Liverpool Transfer Collapses Despite Completed Medical and Paperwork
Marc Guehi’s highly anticipated move to Liverpool dramatically collapsed in the final moments of the summer 2025 transfer window, despite the England defender having successfully completed his medical examination and Liverpool submitting all transfer documents to the Premier League. The £35 million deal fell through shortly after the 7pm deadline on September 1, 2025, leaving both clubs and the player in an unprecedented situation after all preliminary steps had been finalized.
Crystal Palace’s inability to secure an adequate replacement proved the decisive factor in the transfer’s collapse, with the club’s pursuit of Igor Julio failing after the defender refused to join Palace. Manager Oliver Glasner’s hardline stance against losing his key defender without proper cover ultimately influenced chairman Steve Parish’s decision to withdraw approval for the sale, despite the significant financial incentive and Guehi’s apparent desire to move to Anfield.
The collapse has left Guehi “extremely unhappy” according to reports from The Guardian’s Ed Aarons, with the defender reportedly preparing a statement expressing his frustration and considering stepping down as Crystal Palace captain. Glasner’s reported threat to resign if the transfer proceeded highlights the internal tensions that ultimately derailed what appeared to be a completed deal between all parties.
Liverpool coach Arne Slot had publicly identified Guehi as an ideal successor to Virgil van Dijk and crucial reinforcement for the club’s defensive vulnerabilities exposed early in the 2025-26 season. The Reds must now rely more heavily on young centre-backs like Giovanni Leoni while maintaining their long-term interest in the England international, who has just one year remaining on his Crystal Palace contract.
The failed transfer positions Liverpool to renew their pursuit in January 2026, potentially at a reduced fee given Guehi’s contract situation. Palace faces the prospect of losing their captain for free next summer if no agreement is reached, while the player’s immediate future remains uncertain amid speculation about his willingness to continue at Selhurst Park following this dramatic transfer breakdown.
