Arne Slot breaks silence on failed Marc Guehi move
Guehi had completed a medical and was set to sign a five-year deal at Anfield
Arne Slot has opened up on Liverpool’s failed move for Crystal Palace and England defender Marc Guehi on summer transfer deadline day.
The Reds intensified their pursuit of the England international in the final days of the transfer window and agreed a £35million fee with Palace.
Guehi, whose contract at Selhurst Park runs out this summer, had completed a medical and was set to sign a five-year deal at Anfield.
A deal sheet was even submitted to the Premier League, but Palace, having failed to secure a suitable replacement, pulled out at the last minute.
As things stand, Liverpool are not expected to return with a new offer in January and are likely to wait until next summer to attempt to sign Guehi on a free transfer.
Slot spoke publicly for the first time about the collapsed transfer during Friday’s press conference, ahead of Liverpool’s trip to newly-promoted Burnley this weekend.
“A lot happened on the final day. I am most pleased that we got the deal for Alexander Isak over the line. Everyone at the club worked so hard to get it done,” Slot said.
“It would be a bit ridiculous to deny that we were close to signing Guehi. That is so out in the open. But these things happen.
“It probably happened to our players where they were close to signing for other clubs and then things change in the last moment. We would have liked to sign him, of course.
“If we feel we can strengthen the team, we never hesitate to do so and that is what we tried to do.
“It is a pity for us and the player but he is in a good place at Palace, where he won the FA Cup and Community Shield. Let’s see what the future brings for him and us.”
Read more: Arne Slot confirms Liverpool star will miss Burnley clash
Arne Slot breaks silence on Alexander Isak transfer to Liverpool
Chelsea hit with 74 FA charges and could face points deduction
