Marc Guehi to Liverpool: Several Champions League heavyweights could ‘take advantage’ of failed transfer

Marc Guehi is reportedly drawing interest from numerous European giants after his failed transfer to Liverpool.

The Crystal Palace defender was set to join Arne Slot’s team on deadline day in a deal worth about £35m, having already completed a medical.

However, Palace’s failure to secure a replacement before the 7pm deadline meant the South London club decided against the move.

With less than a year remaining on his contract with the Eagles, a surfeit of continental giants are now keen on the defender.

Champions League clubs monitoring Guehi situation after failed Liverpool switch

According to The Mirror, at least five European clubs are expected to ‘try’ to sign Guehi on a free transfer next summer.

With foreign clubs able to agree on a pre-contract deal before a potential summer move — an advantage they have over English clubs — German giants Bayern Munich are reportedly monitoring the 25-year-old’s situation.

However, Die Bayern are not the only ones interested in Guehi, as La Liga powerhouses Real Madrid and Barcelona are also keeping the Englishman on their radar.

Since Guehi is set to benefit greatly from free agency next summer, provided he does not extend his contract at Palace, Serie A teams Inter Milan and Juventus are also said to be interested in the England international.

Nonetheless, the financial constraints faced by Italian clubs may prevent them from outbidding Liverpool, Bayern, Real Madrid and Barcelona for the signing of the FA Cup-winning captain.

Where does failed Guehi move leave Liverpool?

Although Liverpool secured a clean sheet in their drab 1-0 Premier League victory over Arsenal, Slot's team had previously struggled to prevent opponents from scoring.

The Reds conceded two goals each in the Community Shield loss to Palace and in Premier League wins over Bournemouth and Newcastle, winning 4-2 and 3-2 respectively.

Holding Arsenal at bay does not eliminate the need for centre-back reinforcements, especially considering the options available after Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate.

Joe Gomez's injury-proneness means the Englishman cannot be fully trusted, while 18-year-old Giovanni Leoni is likely to be gradually integrated into the team following his £26m transfer from Parma.

Other options include Rhys Williams and Calvin Ramsay, and there is also a possibility of Ryan Gravenberch stepping in at centre-back if needed.