Arne Slot has admitted that Liverpool remain admirers of Marc Guehi after their deadline day pursuit of the Crystal Palace captain fell apart at the final hurdle.
The Reds had agreed a £35m fee with Palace for the 25-year-old, who is entering the final year of his contract and is so far unwilling to sign an extension.
Guehi even travelled for a medical, but Palace pulled the plug in the final hours of the window when they were unable to secure a replacement.
It was suggested that Palace manager Oliver Glasner was a key figure behind the decision as he did not want to lose his captain and star defender without adequate cover.
Reports since deadline day have indicated that Liverpool are unlikely to revisit the move in January, instead preferring to wait until next summer to potentially sign Guehi on a free transfer.
📲Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp
Premier League clubs cannot approach him directly about a pre-contract in January, meaning that if Liverpool want to wait, they could face competition from other clubs.
Guehi was reportedly very keen on the switch to Anfield, leaving Slot and Liverpool disappointed with how events unfolded.
Slot hints at a potential future move
Speaking ahead of Liverpool’s trip to Burnley on Sunday, Slot admitted how close the Reds were to landing their target.
“I think it would be ridiculous if I will deny we were close, it was so out in the open,” Slot said in his press conference.
“These things happen in football. It’s happened to our players before, it can happen. We would like to sign him, of course, because we were in for him. If we feel we can strengthen then we try to.”
While Slot stressed that is happy with his current squad, he also conceded it was a missed opportunity.
“We played Ibou [Konate] and Virgil [van Dijk], who were outstanding against Arsenal, and [Joe] Gomez as well and we signed [Giovanni] Leoni, who had a call-up [to Italy].
“We have Wataru [Endo] and Ryan [Gravenberch] as well, so it’s not that we don’t have the players.
“It's a pity, not only for us but also for the player, I think. But he's in a good place, playing for Palace, where he won the Charity Shield and the FA Cup with a very good manager as well.
“Let's see what the future brings for him and for us.”
Asked whether Liverpool might return for the defender in January or next summer, Slot opted to keep his cards close to his chest: “I don’t tell you, but I am only thinking of Burnley.”
Liverpool are now looking to extend their perfect Premier League start as they travel to Turf Moor on Sunday (September 14).
Liverpool news and related links
- Liverpool confirm Champions League squad with surprise forward left out
- Viktor Gyokeres defends Alexander Isak following drawn-out Liverpool transfer saga
- Ex-Liverpool goalkeeper gives verdict on how ‘vulnerable’ Reds can improve this season