Liverpool’s defensive reconstruction continues to make headlines, but it appears that the Merseyside giants will play a long game when it comes to securing the service of Crystal Palace’s Captain Mark Gehi.
According to journalist Paul Joyce of the Times, the Reds chilled their interest in pushing the deal in January 2026, targeting a free transfer next summer when England International’s contract at Selhurst Park officially stopped.
Mostly happened transfer
Guéhi Saga already has a share of the drama. At the end of the recent summer transfer period, the 25-year-old has struggled to complete the switch that will attract attention to Anfield.
Reports say Guéhi even had medical tests on Arne Slot’s side, but was only reported due to a move that would break down at the final hurdle. The Palace was unable to recruit replacements within time and forced manager Oliver Glasner to block the sale.
For Liverpool, it was the frustrating end of weeks of negotiations. For Guéhi, it was a bitter blow after it seemed to be preparing for the next chapter of his career. But despite the disappointment, the story is far from the end.
Liverpool is ready to create a calculated approach
Joyce’s latest update reveals that Liverpool’s recruitment team has no reason to pay transfer fees to players who have completed their contract within a few months.
By resigning to losing the skipper and showing that Gehi is not going to sign fresh terms, the Reds believe patience is the most economically wiser route.
Liverpool is expected to continue monitoring defensive options in January, but Guéhi’s case is unique.
The club knows he was ready to join them in the summer, and they are sure that interest will remain mutual once he becomes a free agent.
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