Arne Slot has admitted Liverpool came close to securing Marc Guehi before the defender’s deadline-day move from Crystal Palace collapsed.
The Reds had agreed a £35m deal for the England international, who even completed his medical in London and prepared a farewell video. Liverpool also submitted a deal sheet to the Premier League in an attempt to finalize the transfer after the 7pm deadline.
However, Palace pulled out at the last minute after failing to land their top replacement target, with Igor Julio choosing West Ham instead of a move to Selhurst Park.
Speaking at his pre-match press conference ahead of Sunday’s trip to Burnley, Slot explained just how near Liverpool were to completing the deal.
“Richard’s (Hughes) ownership, everyone worked so hard to get the deal done,” Slot said. “It would be ridiculous if I would deny we were close to signing him, it was out in the open. It’s happened to our players in the past, they thought they were close to signing somewhere else.
“We would have liked to sign him, we were in for him. If we think we could strengthen the team, we never hesitate and that’s what we try to do.
“It’s not like we don’t have options, but it’s a pity – not just for us, but the player. But he’s in a good place. Let’s see what the future brings.”
