A look at the current state of play for Marc Guehi, who continues to impress for Crystal Palace and England while talk of a move to Liverpool rumbles on in the background
Liverpool have been left to rue their failure to sign Marc Guehi. Admittedly, the situation was taken out of their hands when Crystal Palace withdrew from the almost-completed £35million deal on deadline day.
However, as Arne Slot's attacking options were strengthened not once, not twice, but three times with the eye-wateringly expensive acquisitions of Florian Wirtz, Hugo Ekitike and Alexander Isak, his obvious centre-half shortage remained unaddressed for far too long.
Even without Giovanni Leoni's ACL setback, the Reds would have been short of defensive options for the gruelling campaign ahead. To make matters worse, Guehi has started the season brilliantly for both club and country, and it appears Liverpool could face fierce competition for a player who was virtually theirs.
Palace departure confirmed
Following months of speculation throughout the summer transfer window, there now seems to be a clear answer regarding Guehi's future - and it won't be at Selhurst Park. Palace manager Oliver Glasner confirmed this development last week.
He said: "I think Marc has already told us that he doesn't sign a new contract, so he will leave next year. The club wanted [him to stay]. They offered Marc a new contract. But he said, 'No, I want to make something different.' And that's normal.
"And for us, it's how we can deal with this situation. [What] is the best way to get this next step done? And that's all about how we are talking together."
January sale looming
The burning question now is whether Guehi's departure will materialise in January or come the campaign's conclusion. Considering the trajectory of both of his careers, it's arguably difficult to envisage him desiring to make the notoriously challenging winter transfer.
Palace currently boast European competition, whilst he's virtually assured of a spot in England's World Cup squad as it stands. Would he dare jeopardise that?
Perhaps he'll be left with little choice as The i reports Palace will look to cash in during the upcoming transfer window to secure some return rather than losing him for nothing. They also suggest Liverpool are no longer leading the race for his services.
Liverpool on back foot
Whether a January switch comes to fruition or not, foreign clubs will hold the advantage over the Reds as they can secure Guehi on a pre-contract deal from New Year's Day. La Liga heavyweights Barcelona and Real Madrid have both been linked with an interest alongside Bayern Munich, whose sporting director Max Eberl allegedly held talks with his agent recently.
Guehi is understood to be receptive to departing England, with Europe's other elite sides undoubtedly monitoring his situation closely. Sky Sports also identify Manchester City as potential players in what appears to be developing into a transfer battle approaching double figures of contenders.
It's becoming more and more probable that Liverpool will have to cough up a fee or risk missing out on their prime target. Considering the extensive interest, the amount might not be too far off from what they could've bagged him for just a few months prior.