Top insider reveals ‘very good’ Tottenham ‘offer’ to £45m star after decision made
Marc Guehi looks increasingly likely to seal a move to Liverpool this summer, despite significant interest from Tottenham Hotspur, according to multiple reports. Sources close to the negotiations suggest that the Crystal Palace defender has already made up his mind about his preferred destination, while a former Premier League scout believes that Arne Slot and Richard Hughes are facing an ultimatum from Palace in the ongoing transfer saga.
The 25-year-old centre-back, who is entering the final year of his contract at Selhurst Park, has attracted heavy interest in recent months. Liverpool have been tracking him closely throughout the summer as they look to reinforce their defensive ranks. Tottenham, fresh from their Europa League triumph, have also entered the race, but Guehi’s preference appears to be a switch to Anfield.
Liverpool’s defensive rebuild
The Reds have already secured the services of Giovanni Leoni from Parma, yet Slot and Hughes are intent on strengthening further at the back. Their defensive situation has been complicated by Jarell Quansah’s departure to Bayer Leverkusen earlier this summer, while Ibrahima Konaté is heading into the final year of his deal. This has left Liverpool short of reliable long-term options in central defence, making Guehi a prime target.
Negotiations are currently underway between Liverpool and Palace. Guehi has shown no desire to extend his stay in south London despite the Eagles’ FA Cup triumph last season. TEAMtalk’s transfer insider Rudy Galetti revealed earlier in July that the player has already reached an agreement over personal terms with Liverpool, indicating that the Merseyside club is firmly in the driving seat.
However, the sticking point remains the transfer fee. Palace are holding out for around £45 million (€52.1m, $61m), but Liverpool are unwilling to go beyond £40m (€46.3m, $54.2m) including bonuses.
Tottenham still lurking
While Liverpool are Guehi’s first choice, Tottenham have not given up hope. ESPN reported last week that Spurs are monitoring the situation, and journalist Paul O’Keefe has since revealed that the north London club tabled a “very, very, very good” personal offer to the defender.
Palace previously rejected a bid from Spurs midway through last season, and although Thomas Frank’s side remain keen, O’Keefe suggests Guehi’s heart is set on Liverpool. He told Last Word on Spurs:
“The word from within Palace, my Palace contact, is saying that it’s Liverpool or bust. But he did say that Spurs’ offer to him on personal terms was ‘very, very, very good’. But I think it might be a case with Marc that if he doesn’t get his Liverpool move, then he’ll stay the season, see it out, and go on a free.”
Palace’s stance and the Guehi–Eze dilemma
Former Manchester United and Tottenham scout Mick Brown has weighed in, telling Football Insider that Palace are reluctant to sanction Guehi’s departure, especially with star playmaker Eberechi Eze also heavily linked with a move away – potentially to Tottenham.
“Crystal Palace don’t want to lose both Eze and Guehi. Losing two of their most important players after the season has already begun would be a significant blow,” Brown explained.
He added:
“From the outside looking in, I’d expect it was always going to be either him or Eze who left. If Eze does go to Tottenham, then Palace will dig in over Guehi. They’ll either stick with their £40m-plus valuation and tell Liverpool to pay up, or they’ll refuse to sell altogether. One thing is for sure – this won’t drag on until deadline day.”
Liverpool’s transfer balancing act
The Reds face pressure to move swiftly. Slot is overseeing a period of transition, with several squad changes already taking place. Ben Doak has departed for Bournemouth – though Liverpool cleverly inserted a buy-back clause – and one senior defender is expected to leave Anfield after being deemed surplus to requirements this season.
With Manchester United also monitoring Guehi’s situation, the race for the England international is intensifying. For now, Liverpool remain confident given the player’s preference, but Palace’s hardline stance and Tottenham’s persistence ensure this transfer battle is far from over.
If Liverpool want their man, they may soon have to meet Palace’s demands – or risk waiting until next summer and facing stiffer competition when Guehi becomes available on a free transfer.