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Man City’s “Big Approach” for Marc Guehi Forces Liverpool’s Hand
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Liverpool’s pursuit of Crystal Palace defender marc Guehi is facing a significant challenge as Manchester City emerges as a strong contender, reportedly making a considerable offer for the player this January. The escalating interest from City throws Liverpool’s transfer strategy into question, perhaps forcing a costly mid-season move or risking the loss of a key defensive target.
City Intensifies Pursuit of guehi
According to transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano, Man City has made a “big approach” for Guehi within the last 12 hours, extending a contract offer directly to the player. The Manchester club is now actively engaged in negotiations with Crystal Palace, with sources suggesting the deal is “closer” to completion. This aggressive move comes amid lengthy injuries to key City defenders Ruben Dias and Josko Gvardiol, creating an urgent need for reinforcement in the center-back position.
A Deal Previously Within Liverpool’s Grasp
Liverpool had previously reached an agreement with Crystal Palace regarding potential moves. Tho, he cautioned that alignment does not guarantee action.
Guehi’s Statistical Profile: A Closer Look
A comparative analysis of key defensive metrics reveals Guehi’s strengths and how he stacks up against Liverpool’s current center-back options, Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate.
Centre-Back Comparison: Liverpool vs.Marc Guehi
| Metric (Per 90) | Van Dijk | Konate | Guehi |
|---|---|---|---|
| Touches | 94.5 | 76.2 | 68.1 |
| Passing Accuracy | 90.8% | 89.9% | 85.4% |
| Aerial Duels Won | 5.4 | 4.3 | 2.8 |
| Defensive Contributions | 9.1 | 8.9 | 10.5 |
| FotMob Rating | 7.24 | 7.11 | 7.34 |
Defensive contributions include tackles, interceptions, clearances and blocks. Premier League only. Data via FotMob (Jan 16, 2026).
While Guehi’s passing accuracy and aerial duel win rate are slightly lower than Van Dijk and Konate, he demonstrates a higher number of defensive contributions per 90 minutes, suggesting a proactive and engaged style of play.
A Costly gamble for Liverpool?
Crystal Palace is now reportedly seeking a fee of up to £40 million for Guehi in the mid-season transfer window – a significant increase from the previously agreed-upon £35 million. While Sky Sports has indicated Palace might accept a lower offer, the increased price tag presents a tough decision for Liverpool. The club must weigh the cost of securing Guehi now against the risk of losing him to a direct rival and potentially missing out on a crucial defensive upgrade.
The situation presents Liverpool with a stark choice:
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