Marc Guehi is reportedly set on joining Premier League leaders Liverpool and is prepared to wait for the right opportunity to complete the move. The 24-year-old England international has been a standout performer for Crystal Palace since joining from Chelsea in 2021, following two loan stints at Swansea. Guehi has made 133 appearances for Palace, and his performances have earned him a prominent role with the national team, particularly during Euro 2024, where he filled in for Harry Maguire and was included in several Team of the Tournament lists.
This season, Guehi has captained a struggling Palace side, playing in 22 matches across all competitions and continuing to be one of their most consistent players. However, his time at Selhurst Park has been marred by controversy. Guehi faced backlash from the FA after writing messages on his rainbow armband in protest against the Premier League’s Rainbow Laces campaign, a move that sparked significant debate.
Despite this, Guehi remains in high demand, and Liverpool is said to be his preferred destination. He is reportedly determined to make the move to Anfield, either in January or the summer, and is willing to bide his time for the right moment. Last summer, Guehi turned down interest from Newcastle, opting to stay at Palace after the club rejected multiple bids for him.
Crystal Palace, meanwhile, is keen to secure a substantial transfer fee for the defender, though the amount may decrease as his contract, which runs until 2026, nears its end. The club is also exploring the possibility of including Liverpool’s Ben Doak in any potential deal. Doak, currently on loan at Middlesbrough, has impressed in the Championship and hopes to secure a spot in Liverpool’s first team, but may have to look for a move elsewhere if that doesn’t materialize. If Palace’s pursuit of Lyon’s Rayan Cherki falters, they are likely to turn to Doak as a key target.
Despite the ongoing transfer speculation, Palace manager Oliver Glasner expressed confidence that Guehi would remain at the club, praising his professionalism and the clarity with which Guehi communicated his intentions. Glasner also noted that Guehi’s focus on his performances remained unaffected by the transfer rumors.
Off the pitch, Guehi has recently faced controversy over his actions related to the Rainbow Laces campaign. As part of the Premier League’s initiative to support the LGBTQ+ community, players were encouraged to wear rainbow armbands during certain fixtures. Guehi, however, wrote personal messages such as “I love Jesus” and “Jesus loves you” on his armband, defying kit regulations. While he was not formally punished by the FA, the incident sparked a wider debate on the intersection of personal beliefs and footballing campaigns.
Guehi was not alone in his stance, as Ipswich captain Sam Morsy also refused to wear the rainbow armband due to his Muslim beliefs, yet he received no sanction from the FA. Guehi’s father, John, voiced strong criticism of the FA’s handling of the situation, accusing them of double standards. John defended his son’s actions, explaining that the messages were an expression of love, based on Guehi’s Christian faith, and were not intended to offend anyone. He emphasized that Guehi’s words were meant to reflect his own beliefs and argued that players should not be coerced into becoming spokespeople for causes that may conflict with their personal values.
Ultimately, Guehi’s decision to express his faith in this way highlights his deep Christian convictions. His father maintains that players should have the freedom to express their personal beliefs without fear of being forced to conform to external expectations.
