Marc Ghéhi was one of the pieces that Liverpool could not incorporate into their squad in their historic summer market 2025. The 'reds' spent almost 500 million euros on reinforcements, with Alexander Isak (145 M€) and Florian Wirtz (125 M€) being their star signings.
However, the Ivorian center-back ended up staying at Crystal Palace and is now being considered as a 'low cost' alternative for FC Barcelona. The reason has to do, basically, with the financial aspect.
Liverpool seemed confident in closing the transfer of Ghéhi in the last hours of the transfer window, but the 'eagles' rejected an offer in the order of 40 'kilos'. A controversial decision, since the 26-year-old defender's contract expires in 2026 and, for now, he does not seem willing to renew.
Barcelona can sign Marc Ghéhi at 'zero cost' next summer
In that sense, the latest information points to the interest of the Blaugrana team in Marc, a defender perhaps not so young (he turned 25 in July), but with ideal characteristics to fit into Hansi Flick's scheme.
The Abidjan native is right-footed, but can play without problems as a left center-back. Trained at Chelsea, Guéhi passed through Swansea before signing for Palace in 2021. His transfer was closed at 23.4 million and his valuation in Transfermarkt already reaches 45 M€.
Although he is not that tall (he is 1.82 m), the English international is very effective in aerial play, both in his area and in attack. In 161 official matches with Crystal he has 9 goals and 4 assists, being a key player for coach Oliver Glasner.
The team won the FA Cup and the Community Shield this year. In addition, they will play in the Conference League and hope to convince Marc to renew his contract. This would avoid his departure at 'zero cost' in 2026, the main argument of the English press to link him with Barcelona.
Marc Ghéhi, possible 'low cost' replacement for Christensen or Eric García
And, although the Blaugrana team has, for now, the center of its defense well covered, doubts about the future of Andreas Christensen and Eric García himself (both contracts expire this season) lead to several 'top' center-backs on the culé radar.
With Eric there are no doubts about his future, since his renewal is well on track. Christensen, on the other hand, is still a folder with many doubts, beyond Hansi Flick's confidence in the Dane and the player's express desire to stay.
Therefore, names like Marc Ghéhi are already sounding on the radar of a Barça that, in 2026, will continue to bet on intelligent market movements. The club must amortize a 'top' transfer with the signing of another '9', while demarcations such as the center of defense, for now, are not considered a priority.
However, 'low cost' alternatives such as the Crystal Palace center-back will not go unnoticed in Deco's plans. If the Ivorian defender continues to postpone his renewal, the Blaugrana team will consider him in their list of possible reinforcements for 26/27.