Liverpool could lose out in the race to sign Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi in 2026.
Arne Slot spent £415m on new players in the summer transfer marker, as the defending Premier League champions hit the September 1 deadline as the highest spenders.
That outlay was balanced against £187m brought in via sales at an overall net spend of £228m [$307m].
Slot twice broke the Premier League transfer record, with deals for Florian Wirtz [£100m plus add-ons], before a deadline day £125m deal for Alexander Isak.
However, after completing the paperwork on Isak, the Reds hierarchy missed out on a £35m swoop for Guehi.
Palace chairman Steve Parish confirmed his intention to sell Guehi, to avoid losing him on a free transfer when his contract expires in June 2026, with no renewal planned.
📲 Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp
After Palace failed to sign a replacement, Guehi's move to Anfield was blocked, and the 25-year-old is rumoured to be furious over the collapsed agreement.
Liverpool will not make a cut-price offer in January, but they now face competition from Real Madrid to sign Guehi as a free agent, and reports from Football Insider indicate he will reject a switch to Merseyside.
Sources have told FI, Guehi and his representatives 'blame' Liverpool for not getting a summer deal over the line, amid claims the Reds 'delayed a move and spent too long haggling over the fee and the terms of the deal'.
Liverpool news and related links
- Slot to recall in-form striker to Liverpool’s Champions League squad
- Ex-Liverpool goalkeeper gives verdict on ‘vulnerable’ Reds
- Liverpool star Mo Salah tips shock rivals for Premier League crown