Marc Guehi will opt against signing for Barcelona, handing Liverpool a boost in the hotly contested race for his signature.
A whole host of top European clubs are looking at signing the Crystal Palace central defender at the end of the season.
Guehi, 25, will leave Selhurst Park on a free transfer, having decided against penning a new deal.
Barcelona drop out of Marc Guehi race
Reports in Spain claim Barcelona’s hopes of luring the England international to La Liga are all but over.
Premier League players whose deals expire at the end of the season can agree to pre-contracts with European clubs during the January window.
Guehi reportedly held meetings with Barcelona chiefs to discuss a potential deal, but the main sticking point in preventing a move was the player’s wage demands.
The article adds that Barcelona won’t know their salary cap until the summer, which means their offer is significantly lower than what Guehi will receive from rival clubs.
Manchester City and Real Madrid remain interested, but Liverpool are still firmly on the radar despite their indecision during the summer.
The club prioritised forking out fortunes in their attack and left it until transfer deadline day before stepping up their pursuit of Guehi. Palace knocked back their bid because it left them with no time to source a replacement.
Anfield is still believed to be Guehi’s first choice destination as they plot an overhaul in their central defensive unit.
Why Liverpool need Marc Guehi
Arne Slot’s side averaged 1.07 goals conceded per game last season, in comparison to 1.44 in the current campaign.
Question marks have lingered over the performances of both Ibrahima Konate and Virgil van Dijk this season.
Konate, who has come in for criticism, is out of contract in the summer, and it’s unclear whether Liverpool will explore the option of extending his stay.
If Liverpool allows Konate to leave, they will leave themselves precariously short of central defensive options. Van Dijk turns 35 in the summer and in the tail end of his career.
Joe Gomez can’t be relied on due to his ongoing injury record, and therefore heavy investment will be required once again.
Guehi has cemented his reputation as a top-class central defender, with leadership qualities to step into the shoes of Van Dijk when the Dutchman decides to move on.
