Liverpool’s inability to complete the signing of Marc Guehi on deadline day may prove to be a costly misstep.

The Reds had been in advanced negotiations with Crystal Palace, and both clubs were reportedly open to a deal worth around £35 million.

However, a last-minute hitch saw the agreement collapse, leaving Jurgen Klopp’s side without the defensive reinforcement they had been targeting to round off a busy summer window.

Marc Guehi leaning toward Real Madrid switch

What makes the failure even more concerning for Liverpool is the latest development in Guehi’s future.

Despite initially being keen on a move to Anfield, the 25-year-old is now said to have “his heart set” on joining Real Madrid on a free transfer.

Such a shift would not only rule out a future move to Merseyside but also see one of England’s brightest defenders head abroad at the peak of his career.

For Liverpool, the collapse of the deal leaves them in a precarious situation.

Ibrahima Konate is approaching the end of his contract, and the lack of clarity over his future only deepens the urgency to find long-term solutions at the back.

Alternatives on the radar

In response, the Reds have turned their attention to other options, with Barcelona’s Ronald Araujo and Tottenham’s Micky van de Ven both emerging as potential candidates.

However, prising either defender away from their current clubs would demand a substantial fee, likely far exceeding the amount they were prepared to pay for Guehi.

Liverpool’s recruitment team now face a difficult balancing act: finding a defender capable of strengthening the squad immediately while avoiding overpaying in a competitive market.

The missed chance with Guehi may well be remembered as a sliding-door moment in their season.