Barcelona stuns Liverpool with sensational transfer hijack move say sources

Barcelona is making significant strides in their pursuit of Marc Guehi, the Crystal Palace captain. Over the past two weeks, the Catalan club has reached out to Guehi’s representatives, heightening the competition with Liverpool for the player’s signature.

Barcelona’s Transfer Strategy

The 25-year-old defender’s contract runs until June 2026, allowing Barcelona to initiate pre-contract discussions starting January 1. Deco, Barcelona’s director of football, considers Guehi a cost-effective option to reinforce their defense.

In a recent interview with SER Catalunya, Deco acknowledged Guehi as “a good player” and emphasized Barcelona’s strategy of cultivating a young squad. The club is also making efforts to attract Guehi by showcasing the benefits of playing in LaLiga and the allure of Champions League football.

Financial Constraints and Potential Offers

• A January bid for Guehi could be around €20 million (£17 million).
• Crystal Palace may demand between £25-30 million to prevent Guehi’s departure through free agency.

Amid these financial considerations, Barcelona is mounting a “huge charm offensive” to appeal to the player. They are offering promises of a key role in their setup, alongside Pau Cubarsí.

Liverpool’s Position in the Race

For Liverpool, the pursuit of Guehi is increasingly urgent. The Reds had previously aimed for a £35 million deal in the summer, which collapsed on deadline day. Recent conversations have reignited with Guehi’s camp this week.

Coach Arne Slot is keen on Guehi as a long-term solution for the defense, especially given Virgil van Dijk’s current struggles. Despite the player’s expressed interest in Liverpool, Barcelona’s aggressive pursuit may be influencing his decision.

Guehi’s Career Development

Guehi has recently solidified his position in England’s Euro 2024 defense, demonstrating his quality by not being dribbled past in a remarkable 630 minutes of play. He has declined two extension offers from Crystal Palace as he looks to advance his career.

Upcoming Weeks Are Critical

With potential interest from Bayern Munich and ongoing discussions between Guehi and both clubs, the next few weeks will be crucial. Liverpool risks missing out on Guehi entirely, prompting urgent decisions in their transfer strategy.

Other Transfer Interests for Liverpool

Meanwhile, Liverpool is exploring other January transfer options. They are reportedly considering a move for RB Leipzig’s Yan Diomande, alongside monitoring Joel Ordonez’s situation.

The upcoming transfer window promises to be pivotal for Liverpool as they navigate a challenging season while facing pressure from their fan base following recent performances.