Gary Lineker encourages next course of action for Marc Guehi to guarantee Liverpool move

Guehi

Gary Lineker has advised Marc Guehi to remain at Crystal Palace until the end of the season and leave on a lucrative free transfer after his Liverpool move fell through at the 11th hour.

Liverpool and Palace, who met in last month’s Community Shield, even agreed a £35million deal for the 25-year-old defender.

But despite the Reds submitting a deal sheet in an attempt to get the transfer over the line, the transfer collapsed in the final hours of the window on Monday due to the Eagles failing to sign a replacement in time.

England international Guehi, whose contract expires next summer, now has the option to either sign a new deal, leave in January for a lower fee or wait until the end of the season before leaving Palace as a free agent.

Former Match of the Day host Lineker believes the centre-back should opt for the latter, which is the more astute financial option for Guehi as free agents often get paid better salaries and signing-on bonuses.

Lineker said

“I did feel a bit for Marc Guehi because he’d seemingly behaved admirably and didn’t get his move.

“I also categorically expect him to pitch up next week, very stoically, and will probably remain captain.

“If I were him now, I wouldn’t try to get the move in January, I would now wait until the end of my contract which is next summer and go on a free. Because they’ve used him a little bit, there’s no question about that.

“To take it that far, on the brink of a transfer and then be pulled back was tough on him.

“But he’ll get a better deal for himself next summer, certainly financially. Who knows whether Liverpool will still be in for him, somebody will because he’s a class act."

Guehi will have an eye on the World Cup next summer too, and with Palace for the time being, he will at least be guaranteed game time.

Lineker added: “He’s still just coming into his prime so he’ll be in great shape next year."

Alan Shearer then responded by saying: “I do feel for Guehi because he did things as professionally as he could. On the other hand you’re right, financially he should benefit hugely from it.”

There is a feeling that Guehi behaved with class all summer and did not attempt to force through a move, while other big names have gone on strike to do so.

The Guardian reports the defender has been left angry with Palace's late decision to block his move to Anfield, having undergone a medical in London to become a Liverpool player on Monday.

It is also claimed that Palace manager Oliver Glasner warned the club that he would resign if Guehi's move to Liverpool was completed.

That came after the Eagles missed out on signing Brighton defender Igor Julio, who was viewed as a potential replacement for Guehi, as he made a late U-turn and joined West Ham on a season-long loan instead.

Guehi captained Palace to victory in last season's FA Cup final and scored a stunning first goal of the season in a 3-0 victory over Aston Villa at the weekend.

The Times report that Guehi is currently planning to leave Palace as a free agent next summer and will not sign an extension to remain at Selhurst Park.

That would leave Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate as Liverpool's first-choice centre-backs until at least January, with Joe Gomez providing cover for the duo. Giovanni Leoni could also get game time, following the 18-year-old's summer arrival from Parma for around £26m.

Guehi, meanwhile, could be back in action for Palace as soon as next Saturday when they host Sunderland in the Premier League.

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