Marc Guehi: Liverpool move for Crystal Palace defender collapses

The son of a church minister, Guehi will view Monday’s astonishing collapse of his move to Liverpool simply as the path that was set for him.

Of course, the prospect of leaving next season on a free transfer, and the lucrative wealth that accompanies that scenario, will soften the blow.

Yet you can’t help but feel for the way Guehi has been treated through no fault of his own.

He stayed respectful to Palace in the face of Liverpool’s interest when others haven’t shown their employers the same sort of courtesy this summer.

He was due to sign his contract at Liverpool’s offices in the capital only for Palace to pull the rug from under him.

Igor Julio appeared to be close to joining Palace only for West Ham to move for him at the 11th hour. The Hammers’ hijack effectively cost Guehi his move to Anfield.

Palace – particularly manager Oliver Glasner who didn’t want to lose Guehi in the first-place – decided they could not go into the rest of the season one centre-back short.

You have to ponder how the decision will affect the club’s future.

On the pitch, it will provide the team with a major boost. Guehi is recognised as one of English football’s premier centre-backs.

Financially, however, you have to wonder how losing the £35m fee will impact the club.

If, as expected, Guehi leaves next summer on a free transfer it will be difficult for a club with limited finances such as Palace to sign a top quality replacement.

With that said, fans won’t care. All they care about is that Guehi is staying. But for how long?