Liverpool's Pursuit of Marc Guehi Intensifies

As the summer transfer window draws to a close, Liverpool is making a determined push to secure the signature of Crystal Palace's rising star, Marc Guehi. The twist? Their rivals, Manchester City, could inadvertently pave the way for this exciting potential transfer.

Man City's Defender Linked to Crystal Palace

Reports indicate that Manchester City's Manuel Akanji has emerged as a target for Crystal Palace. This transfer could be pivotal in allowing Guehi to join Liverpool before the deadline. With Guehi entering the final year of his contract, Palace is on high alert to avoid losing him for nothing next season.

Palace's Calculated Strategy

Palace chairman Steve Parish has admitted that a sale may become necessary soon. With Liverpool eyeing Guehi, Palace is urgently scouting for central defenders. Even though head coach Oliver Glasner insists that Guehi will not leave before their crucial Conference League match against Fredrikstad, a weekend deal remains on the table for a negotiation between Guehi's estimated £45 million price tag and Liverpool's offer of approximately £35 million.

Transfer Turbulence for Akanji

Akanji, who has slipped down the pecking order at City, is now facing scrutiny regarding his future. Despite interest from Galatasaray, Palace is reportedly preparing a £15 million bid for the Swiss international, who has two years left on his contract. The question looms: will this fit into City’s plans?

Strategic Decisions Ahead

Pep Guardiola has hinted at allowing Akanji's departure, opting for a leaner squad, despite the player's absence from this season's lineup thus far. Following City's recent 2-0 loss to Tottenham, Akanji’s future seems increasingly uncertain.

A Manager's Plea to Retain Talent

In the aftermath of a solid win over Fredrikstad, Palace’s Glasner publicly implored the management to retain Guehi, emphasizing the need for competitive depth in the squad. However, Parish’s response suggested a more pragmatic approach—one that acknowledges the financial realities of the transfer market and the necessity of selling players to maintain compliance with financial regulations.

What Lies Ahead?

With only days left in the transfer window, all eyes will be on whether Liverpool can seal the deal for Guehi, leveraging the unexpected domino effect of City’s potential sale. The future of these players could shift dramatically in the coming hours as the transfer clock ticks down.