Marc Guehi labelled Manchester City as the ‘best club in England’ at his unveiling this week, months after being on the verge of signing for Liverpool from Crystal Palace
England international Marc Guehi has completed his move to Manchester City from Crystal Palace(Image: )
Former Liverpool target Marc Guehi has complete his move to rivals Manchester City, with the Reds missing their opportunity to get the England international a cut-price fee – and fans in the Liverpool Echo comments section are questioning the decision not to challenge City for the signing, given Arne Slot’s own needs.
Guehi was a target for Liverpool last summer, but Crystal Palace changed their mind on negotiations after an intervention from manager Oliver Glasner.
When Guehi confirmed that this season would be his last for Eagles, Liverpool were happy to wait for a free transfer at the end of this season, but City have opted to pay a £20m fee to help to cover injuries in their defence.
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At his unveiling, Guehi told City club media: “I am really happy and incredibly proud to be a Manchester City player. This move feels like the culmination of all the hard work I have put into my career. I am now at the best club in England and part of an unbelievable squad of players. It feels good to be able to say that.”
Liverpool decided not to challenge City’s bid for Guehi this month, and it is believed to be because they didn’t consider the transfer as good of an opportunity as it would have been last summer.
There is still uncertainty over the long-term future of the club’s defensive department however, with a contract for Ibrahima Konate still forthcoming, and with Virgil van Dijk entering the final 18 months of his contract.
Some fans think that Liverpool have missed out by not being more aggressive in their pursuit of Guehi. Reader Peterh says: “Shocking business by us for allowing this happen. So we now spend 3 times that amount in the summer, for someone who might not be as good.”
Commenter RedLes writes: “Liverpool should have gone for Guehi and told him that he is first choice above both VVD and Konate who is not even 100% committed to the club.
“I just hope that Liverpool have something up their sleeve in that department before the window closes, but missing out on a 25 year old home-grown, international centre-back, with Premier League pedigree, is a massive opportunity gone begging.”
Sportsbilly77 says: “The criticism of the club is correct and much deserved. We needed a starting CB last summer and screwed up. To cap it off, Konate has been absolutely woeful and we’ve had no one to bring on for him – noting Slot’s lack of trust in Gomez. The fact we had a chance to fix it with a full England international at £20million is disgraceful.”
Others aren’t nearly so sore at missing out on the England international. ExtraTexture says: “I’m not bothered in the slightest by Guehi. He’s a bit short for our defence, we need a more commanding centre-back. I think Guehi will get found out at City, that he’s not any where near as good as he thinks he is.”
Loonbothererdeluxe writes: “He’s nowhere near good enough to hold a regular first team position at City and will be seldom seen, just like Ake. I’d like to see him regret his money-focused decision but he will just look at his bank account to cheer himself up.”
Ringored says: “Liverpool were correct to not go back in. He’s getting £300k p/w to say they’re the best in England & good luck to him. But Liverpool are right, there are better deals to be had come Summer, & targets already identified and likely agreed upon. Once Palace pulled the plug on the deal last Summer, Liverpool were never going to pay a fee and moved on.”
Using the comments section below, tell us if you think Liverpool will regret not challenging Manchester City for the signature of Marc Guehi.
