Sky reporter drops uncomfortable Marc Guehi transfer truth — Liverpool fans won’t like it.

A respected transfer journalist has suggested that Marc Guehi would already be a Liverpool player if the club’s hierarchy had been truly determined to sign him.
Liverpool came close to landing the Crystal Palace captain for around £35m at the end of last summer’s transfer window, but the move collapsed in the final hours of deadline day after Palace pulled the plug. Now, four and a half months later, the England international is set to join Manchester City following the Eagles’ acceptance of a £20m bid from Pep Guardiola’s side — a development that has left Liverpool supporters deeply frustrated at missing out on the 25-year-old.
Palace confused by Liverpool’s relaxed approach
Speaking on Sky Sports News on Friday evening, reporter Kaveh Solhekol was asked whether Liverpool would now view failing to sign Guehi as a major missed opportunity. His response is unlikely to go down well with Reds fans.
Solhekol explained that he doesn’t believe Liverpool see it that way, adding that Palace were left with the impression that the Merseyside club were never fully committed. According to him, Liverpool prioritised spending heavily on attacking players before making a late, almost ultimatum-style bid for Guehi near the end of the window.
He also revealed that Palace officials felt compelled to approach Liverpool directly at the Community Shield to seek clarity, asking when — or if — a formal offer would arrive so they could plan accordingly.
Liverpool’s hesitation raises serious questions
If Palace truly had to prompt Liverpool into action weeks before any offer materialised, it reflects poorly on the club’s decision-making. Supporters are justified in questioning why Liverpool waited until deadline day to act, especially when an earlier £35m bid — even shortly after the Community Shield — might have been accepted, giving Palace time to line up a replacement.
Solhekol’s assertion that Liverpool would have secured Guehi had they genuinely wanted him is difficult to dispute and exposes an uncomfortable reality that should leave sporting director Richard Hughes with lingering regret.
Further reports claiming Liverpool opted against pursuing Guehi in January because they didn’t see it as a market opportunity have only intensified supporter anger, particularly given ongoing concerns about centre-back depth and the number of goals conceded this season.
While Liverpool hesitated, Manchester City moved swiftly to address their own defensive injury issues and sealed the deal.
Overall, the episode reflects badly on those in charge at Anfield. However, with two weeks still left in the transfer window, there remains an opportunity for Liverpool to limit the damage by acting decisively and bringing in an alternative defensive target before the window closes.