Arne Slot expressed his disappointment at Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi’s failed deadline move to Liverpool. The Reds have stepped up their tracking of England International on the closing day of their transfer period and agreed to a £35 million deal with the Palace.
With his contract expired this summer, Guehi was ready to complete his medical care, implement his media duties and sign a five-year contract with Anfield. The deal sheet was also submitted to the Premier League, but after failing to secure a suitable replacement, the palace retreated.
As it stands, Liverpool is not expected to make a new offer in January and will likely wait until summer to try to sign Guehi on a free transfer. Slot spoke publicly about the first failed transfer at a press conference on Friday, ahead of the newly promoted match against Burnley.
“A lot happened on the final day. I’m pleased to close the Alexander Isaac contract. Everyone at the club worked so hard to get it done,” Slot said. “It would be a bit ridiculous to deny that we are approaching signing Guehi. It’s public. But these things happen.”
He continued: “Maybe it happened to our players who were approaching signing other clubs, and then things change in the last moment. Of course, we wanted to sign him.
“If we feel we can strengthen our team, we don’t hesitate to do so. That’s what we tried to do. That’s a shame for us and our players, but he’s in a good place in the palace. He’s got the FA Cup and Community Shield.
Liverpool still boasts four centre-back options after Giovanni Leoni’s summer arrival. The Italian youth has not yet made their Reds debut. The slot claims to be completely satisfied following the conclusion of the transfer window.
The Dutch added: “As for Arsenal, Ivoo and Virgil were outstanding, Joe Gomez came in and was outstanding. Giovanni Leoni made the first call. Ryan and Wataru can play there.”
