Marc Guéhi: Liverpool

Liverpool supporters may look back at the Marc Guéhi transfer saga with even greater frustration after the England international made a spectacular start to life at Manchester City.

Guéhi was once extremely close to becoming a Liverpool player. The Reds had pursued the defender from Crystal Palace and came close to completing a deal, but the transfer collapsed dramatically. Manchester City eventually secured his signature, and the defender is now beginning to show exactly what Liverpool missed out on.

The latest evidence came on Sunday, 23 August, when Manchester City opened their 2026/27 Premier League campaign against Bournemouth.

With City trailing 1–0, Guéhi stepped forward to become the unlikely hero. He rose to meet Rayan Cherki’s corner and headed City level in the 84th minute. Josko Gvardiol then completed the comeback with a stoppage-time winner, giving new manager Enzo Maresca a dramatic 2–1 victory.

What made Guéhi’s performance even more interesting was his position.

Although naturally a centre-back, Maresca deployed the England international in midfield during the match. Guéhi responded with a composed and disciplined display before scoring the crucial equaliser. Manchester City’s official match report described his performance as impressive.

For Liverpool fans, the situation is particularly painful because Guéhi had previously been one of the club’s major defensive targets.

Liverpool’s failed pursuit ultimately allowed Manchester City to step in and sign the player. The move has since become a reminder of how quickly a transfer situation can change at the highest level of football.

Guéhi has now signed a long-term contract with Manchester City, reportedly keeping him at the Etihad until 2031. Pep Guardiola also praised the signing, describing the 25-year-old England international as a top central defender with the ability to operate on either side of the defence.

His early impact will inevitably lead to questions among Liverpool supporters: Did Liverpool make a costly mistake by failing to complete the deal?

That question is becoming harder to ignore.

Liverpool are currently under new manager Andoni Iraola and have started the new Premier League season with a dramatic 2–2 draw against Newcastle United. While the Reds continue to reshape their squad, Guéhi represents one of the defensive options that got away.

Meanwhile, Manchester City have already seen signs that their investment could pay off. Guéhi not only helped them recover from a difficult opening match but also demonstrated his versatility by performing effectively in an unfamiliar midfield role.

Of course, one match does not determine whether a transfer was right or wrong. Guéhi still has a long way to go at Manchester City, and Liverpool have their own plans for strengthening the squad.

But scoring the equaliser in his first Premier League match for City is certainly an attention-grabbing beginning.

For Liverpool fans, the Guéhi story is no longer about whether he might arrive at Anfield.

It is about what might have been.

And if Guéhi continues to perform at this level, Liverpool supporters may be asking that question for a long time to come.