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Slot says Liverpool still admire Guehi after transfer collapse

Originally posted on Empire of the Kop
By Peter Kenny Jones | Last updated Sep 12, 2025 9:56 AM ET

Arne Slot has admitted that we came very close to signing Marc Guehi this summer, but the move collapsed in the final hours of the transfer window.

The 25-year-old centre-back looked set to swap Crystal Palace for Anfield, with a deal sheet submitted before the deadline.

But Palace ultimately decided not to sell, leaving us to continue without further defensive reinforcements.

Liverpool boss on Guehi transfer collapse

Speaking at his pre-Burnley press conference, our boss said: “I think it would be ridiculous if I’m going to deny we were close to signing [Guehi], that is so out in the open that that would be ridiculous.

“These things happen in football… in the last moment, things change. This can happen.”

The Dutchman confirmed his admiration for the England international but insisted we are not short on options.

“For me, we would like to sign him of course, because we were in for him,” he continued.

“But we played Arsenal where Virgil and Ibou played an outstanding game and Joe came in 20 minutes before the end and did outstanding as well.

“With us signing Giovanni Leoni, who had his first international call-up, and Ryan and Wata that can play there, so it is not like all of a sudden we don’t have options in that position anymore.”

Guehi remains admired despite Liverpool setback

(Photo by Eddie Keogh/Getty Images)

Paul Joyce has suggested that we will only wait until the summer to revisit the move on a free, though Real Madrid are also said to be interested in the same tactic, which would make competition fierce.

Liverpool’s record-breaking summer transfers show that we are not afraid to act decisively in the market when the right opportunity arises.

This approach was used to land Alexander Isak on deadline day, with the Swedish forward completing a £125 million move to Anfield on a day that should have seen the Palace captain arrive too.

On Guehi, Slot added: “It’s a pity but not only for us, but also for the player I think.

“But he’s in a good place, playing at Palace where he won the Community Shield and the FA Cup with a very good manager as well.

“Let’s see what the future brings for him and for us.”

With Guehi admired and defensive depth already strengthened by Giovanni Leoni, the coming months could decide whether Liverpool make another attempt or look elsewhere when the next windows open.

You can watch Slot’s comments on Isak via Liverpool FC on YouTube: