In a dramatic turn of events that has stunned the football world, Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi is reportedly “extremely unhappy” after his £35 million move to Liverpool was abruptly halted at the last minute on transfer deadline day, September 1, 2025. The England international, who had completed part of his medical and agreed personal terms for a five-year contract with the Premier League champions, was left reeling when Palace pulled the plug, citing their failure to secure a suitable replacement. This shocking twist, driven by manager Oliver Glasner’s fierce opposition, has left Guehi considering drastic steps, including potentially relinquishing his captaincy, as the dream of joining Liverpool slipped away in the final hours.

The saga began months ago, with Liverpool targeting Guehi to bolster their defense after Jarrell Quansah’s £35 million move to Bayer Leverkusen and concerns over conceding six goals in their first three games, per BBC Sport. The Athletic reported that negotiations heated up after Palace’s Community Shield win over Liverpool on August 10, where Guehi captained the Eagles to victory. A £35 million deal, including a 10% sell-on clause, was agreed, and Guehi was set to join Liverpool’s record-breaking transfer window, which saw £125 million spent on Alexander Isak, per Liverpool.com. Sky Sports noted that Guehi, in the final year of his contract, underwent a medical in London, expecting to sign with the Reds. But Palace’s inability to secure Brighton’s Igor Julio, who opted for West Ham, and their failure to land other targets like Chelsea’s Axel Disasi, led to the deal’s collapse, as reported by The Guardian.

Glasner’s role was pivotal. The Austrian manager, who led Palace to their first major trophy in the FA Cup last season, threatened to resign if Guehi was sold without a replacement, per The Guardian. Sky Sports quoted Glasner post-match after Palace’s 3-0 win over Aston Villa on August 31: “We have to keep Marc if we want to play a successful season.” His stance clashed with chairman Steve Parish, who was open to selling Guehi to avoid losing him for free in 2026, given his reluctance to sign a new contract, per The New York Times. The last-minute decision to cancel the transfer, despite a deal sheet submitted before the 7 p.m. UK deadline, left Guehi stranded, with OneFootball reporting his frustration and plans to release a statement.

Guehi’s professionalism throughout the saga has earned widespread sympathy. Unlike Alexander Isak, who forced his Liverpool move by refusing to train, Guehi continued to perform, captaining Palace in all six of their opening games across the Premier League, Community Shield, and Conference League, per BBC Sport. The Guardian noted that teammates are also upset, believing Guehi was “denied a career-changing move.” Social media erupted, with Reddit posts on r/FantasyPL lamenting, “If you do everything by the book, you get screwed over.” Fans on X, per post:2, echoed this, with one writing, “Guehi behaved correctly, and Palace pulled the rug out from under him.” His potential decision to step down as captain, reported by Liverpoolnews247.com, underscores the depth of his disappointment.

The collapse has sparked debate about Palace’s strategy. The Athletic highlighted their £20.8 million signing of Toulouse’s Jaydee Canvot, but Glasner insisted on a Premier League-ready replacement. With Guehi’s contract expiring in 2026, Palace risk losing him for a reduced fee in January or for free next summer, a scenario Liverpool.com called “a major win for Liverpool.” Sky Sports reported that Liverpool, with four senior center-backs including Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez, may revisit the deal in January, potentially at a bargain price. Guehi’s 23 England caps and pivotal role in Euro 2024 make him a prime target, with The Sun noting his appeal to clubs across Europe if he becomes a free agent.

This saga has broader implications. Reddit threads on r/LiverpoolFC criticized Palace’s late handling, with one user stating, “They should’ve sorted a replacement earlier.” The emotional toll on Guehi, who remained respectful despite interest from a Champions League giant, resonates with fans, drawing parallels to loyalty in football, unlike high-profile mysteries like Madeleine McCann’s case. As Palace face a season in the Conference League, Guehi’s future hangs in the balance. Will he push for a move in January, or will he stay to lead Palace’s European adventure? For now, his heartbreak fuels speculation, leaving fans and pundits alike awaiting his next move.