Liverpool have key to Marc Guehi swap deal with Crystal Palace which will benefit both clubs

Liverpool could use one of their players as a potential ‘make weight’ in order to get a deal for Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi over the line this summer.

Liverpool have already signed seven players this summer - Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong, Milos Kerkez, Hugo Ekitike, Armin Pecsi, Freddie Woodman and Giorgi Mamardashvili – but remain in the market ahead of the September 1 deadline.

On Friday, Arne Slot’s got their 2025/26 Premier League campaign off to a winning start with a 4-2 victory over Bournemouth at Anfield.

The attacking prowess of the champions was there for all to see, but there were issues in defence as Antoine Semenyo bagged a brace.

Of course, Liverpool’s defensive options were depleted by the departure of Jarell Quansah, who joined Bayer Leverkusen earlier this summer.

Currently, Slot has just three centre-backs – Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konate and new signing Giovanni Leoni – to choose from, while usual midfielders Wataru Endo and Ryan Gravenberch could fill in at centre-back if called upon.

Marc Guehi is linked with a move to Liverpool (Credit:Getty)

Rhys Williams, who spent last season on loan at Morecambe, could also be utilised but is likely to move on this summer amid interest from EFL clubs.

So, the arrival of Guehi would add much-needed Premier League and international experience to Slot’s squad.

But a deal could prove complicated.

Speaking on Football Focus on Saturday, BBC Sport’s Sami Mokbel revealed what he knows about the situation.

He said: "The Liverpool situation has presented itself now. I think he would go. A deal at the moment, an agreement between the clubs, isn't forthcoming and hasn't happened. My understanding is that Marc Guehi will play tomorrow against Chelsea, which is a bit of a risk when you consider injury and stuff like that, and then talks will recommence on Monday. But there is definitely legs in that deal."

But several things may need to change to facilitate Guehi’s Merseyside move.

Harvey Elliott could leave Liverpool (Credit:Getty)

First, Palace attacking midfielder Eberechi Eze has been heavily linked with both Arsenal and Spurs in recent days and looks set to leave the Eagles this summer.

As a result, Palace will likely seek a replacement and have already shown interest in Leicester City’s Bilal El Khannouss.

However, reports have also suggested that Liverpool’s Harvey Elliott could he used as part of a ‘swap deal’ which could benefit both Liverpool and Palace.

Elliott’s future is uncertain this summer, and he may be used as a ‘make weight’ in a player-plus-cash deal to help the Guehi transfer through.

The England youth international has also been linked with Bundesliga club RB Leipzig.

Liverpool would benefit from acquiring Guehi, while Palace will profit financially and have a ready-made replacement for Eze if he is to move on this summer.