Arne Slot admits he’s gutted Liverpool didn’t sign Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace

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Arne Slot has reaffirmed his stance on Liverpool missing out on signing Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi.

Prior to the 1-0 win against Burnley on Sunday, Slot broke his silence on Guehi, admitting it was “a pity” that the Reds missed out on the England international.

Guehi had looked all but certain to secure a deadline day move to Anfield until Palace boss Oliver Glasner convinced Steve Parish to pull the plug on the deal at the final stages.

Indeed, on a day when the Reds broke the British transfer record for the second time in a single summer following Alexander Isak’s move from Newcastle United, there were still disappointed faces on Merseyside.

And now, Slot has expanded further on his feelings towards the collapsed transfer as it becomes clear that the Dutchman wanted to add Guehi to his defensive ranks.

Arne Slot is disappointed that Liverpool failed to sign Marc Guehi

In a ‘One on One’ exclusive with the Sky Sports Premier League podcast, Slot has lifted the lid on the feelings at Liverpool after Guehi remained at Selhurst Park on deadline day.

“Yeah, yeah. That is definitely the first part. The second part is, at Liverpool, we have so many good players, so we would have liked to sign him. That’s out in the open, so I’m not going to deny that. But I also know, and knew, that we have very good options in that position as well.

“But we are a club that, if we see an opportunity in the market and we can sign a very good player, we are always trying to do so. But if that doesn’t work out, I’m more than happy to work with the players we’ve got. For us, it was, of course, a disappointment, but for the player, I assume as well, because he was expecting to come to us.”

As previously reported by TBR Football, Guehi will remain fully committed to Palace despite his expectation to join the Premier League champions, and he is now expected to see out the final year of his contract.

The Reds are reportedly unwilling to re-enter negotiations with Palace in the winter transfer window, and while Liverpool remain intent on signing Guehi at the end of the season, they will face fierce competition for his signature.

TBR Football understands Chelsea are back in the frame for Guehi and will join a long list of clubs, including Real Madrid, Barcelona, Manchester United, Tottenham, and of course, Liverpool, as they wish to bring the defender back to Stamford Bridge.

Slot and Co. have certainly laid down the groundwork ahead of a potential move in 2026, but with Guehi now guaranteed regular minutes ahead of the World Cup, it is likely the 25-year-old will be one of the most sought-after commodities on the market.

Arne Slot understands Crystal Palace’s decision

Axel Disasi’s rejection of West Ham United was the catalyst for Guehi’s failed transfer, as Igor Julio moved to East London in his place, leaving Palace with no suitable replacement for their captain.

While there is an argument to be made that Liverpool should not have allowed the transfer to go down to the wire, Slot revealed that he understands Palace’s stance.

Slot added:  “I think that’s what I get. I try to put myself in the player’s shoes. But that can happen with a player from us as well, that maybe a player wanted to leave, but, in the end, couldn’t, because we couldn’t get a player we wanted.

“That happens in football many times. And the good thing in football is that, especially after the international break, everybody comes back, accepts the situation, and knows they have to perform well.

“But yeah, if a player wants a transfer that he doesn’t get, you always feel for him. If it’s a player of my team, you talk to him and make sure he gets his energy back and keeps going again. And that’s probably what has happened at Palace with Marc Guehi now as well.”