Liverpool handed major BLOW as European giants eye free transfer agreement

Liverpool were one of the busiest teams in the summer transfer window, but they weren’t able to get every deal they wanted over the line.

There were a total of eight new arrivals at Anfield this summer, but one of the biggest stories of the window was the Reds’ failed deal for Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi.

The transfer looked all but done, with Guehi even recording a goodbye message for supporters, but Palace pulled out of the deal at the very last moment, and the 25-year-old remains at Selhurst Park.

As it stands, the England international will be available on a free transfer next summer, but Liverpool will face tough competition for his signature, including from a true European giant.

Barcelona chasing Guehi deal

Although a move for Guehi was pretty much done in the summer, Liverpool won't have a free run at him in January or in the summer.

According to a report from TEAMtalk, Barcelona have made two formal approaches for Guehi in the past fortnight.

The Spanish champions can officially open contract negotiations for a free transfer with Guehi from January 1, but a January transfer bid for the defender also cannot be ruled out.

Barcelona’s efforts have reportedly focussed on ‘pushing the prestige of Champions League football’, which is something that – in their current form – Liverpool may struggle to offer next season.

Will Liverpool miss out on Guehi?

Barcelona will certainly be able to make a convincing pitch to the Chelsea academy graduate, but TEAMtalk’s report does suggest that Liverpool are still the Englishman’s preferred destination.

Bayern Munich also remain interested, but the Reds remain Guehi’s preference for now.

Concerns over Virgil van Dijk’s longevity and Ibrahima Konate’s form and ongoing contract dispute make central defence a key area of focus for Liverpool heading into the transfer window, and the key to securing Guehi may be to make an offer in January.

Palace won't want to lose one of their top talents for free in the summer and the Reds will likely be able to offer a higher fee than Barca in the winter, so an early move could see the defender finally move to Liverpool.

Liverpool’s current form may be a cause for concern for Guehi, but his arrival in January could be the catalyst the Reds’ need to get their season back on track.

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