Crystal Palace centre-back Marcguech subtly suggests a potential move towards Liverpool amid ongoing transfer speculation. Earlier this month, the Reds began discussions with Crystal Palace about the possibility of an English International transfer.
But they are reluctant to pay exorbitant fees to players who can be used for free transfers next summer when their contracts end.
Despite being in the middle of transfer negotiations, the 25-year-old continues to be committed to his current club, securing a 0-0 draw with Chelsea in the opening game of the Premier League, defeating Fredrikstad 1-0 in the Europa Conference League on Thursday night. He is expected to play again for Palace in a home match against Nottingham Forest on Sunday.
Crystal Palace manager Glasner previously said the club cannot afford to lose the defender until after the second leg match against Fredrikstad next week. However, Chairman Steve Parish has reiterated that Guehi is likely to be sold if he does not agree to the new contract.
With the transfer window still open until September 1st, it remains to be seen whether Liverpool will be able to negotiate Guehi’s successful deal before the deadline. The defender is reportedly eager to move to Anfield, but the palace’s asking price is thought to be far above what Liverpool is willing to offer players in the final year of his contract.
Amidst the swirling rumors, Guehi revealed in an interview with BBC Sports that he has many friends in Liverpool and spoke warmly about his close family.
“Soccer is a big part of my life, and it’s been a long time,” he said. “That means a lot.
“I can do what I love every day, I can offer to my family, I can make friends, that means a lot.
“Yes (I still live in the house with my sisters). The house is my sister. Everyone is just funny. If that makes sense, I will be myself.
“I don’t know if I’m the only person in football that I feel this way, but sometimes – not always, you have to go to the show. You have to be an extension of yourself to make it in this environment, not necessarily someone you’re not.
“It’s a very harsh environment – cut throat, it’s really difficult. There’s a lot of brave stuff. That’s good, but when I’m at home, I can cool down. I can become myself. They (family) are my foundation.
“Yes (I’m a sociable person), but I don’t have many friends. My friends are all in different countries or live in Manchester or Liverpool, so it’s hard to connect.”
Guehi’s fate remains in the air, but he highlighted his previous moves – his loan from Chelsea to Swansea City in January 2020 is a pivotal moment in his career.
“I think time on loan at Swansea was a major turning point,” he confessed. “I came from the Academy in Chelsea and went to a great club that was like a welcome from the start.
“I don’t play right away, sit on the bench, travel to the game, experience the difficult aspects of football, I’m not saying I’ve woken up, but it’s my place.
“It definitely helped me understand the world of football a little better.”
It was an unforgettable year for Guehi, especially after his outstanding performance in England, reaching the Euro 2024 final last summer.
The centre-back led Crystal Palace to the major trophy for the first time by defeating Man City in last year’s FA Cup final before overcoming Liverpool on Wembley’s Community Shield earlier this month.
And if he leaves Selhurst Park before the transfer window closes, he is keen to ensure that the palace secures their place at the stage of the Europa Conference League.
The FA Cup final may seem like an obvious highlight. However, Guehi claims that winning the trophy is a personal highlight and that he believes that the best hasn’t come yet, as he outlines his future goals.
“The FA Cup final? No, no… not for me,” he said. “It’s not great either.
“See more of it for the soccer club and the fans. I’m really happy with them.
“But for me… because if I’m being honest, I think it’s still coming.
“(I’m most proud of myself) just the fact that I’ve been going on. I’m very hard on myself and I like it that way.
“It keeps me on my toes, it keeps me grounded, it focuses on me and wants improvement.
“It just put pressure on me, not from the outside noise or anything, I’m demanding quite a bit.
“The fact that I’m pretty much fighting myself and I’ve been going on is a good thing.
“(I) want to play until I’m 40. Clearly winning trophies is great and I’ve played in a variety of competitions, but I think that’s a real testimony to how professional someone is.
“There are obvious injuries, but that’s always a shame, but God lets me play for such a long time.”
