While Marc Guehi nervously awaited his fate on deadline day, Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish was reportedly working out at a fitness class in Soho.
Insight into Parish’s schedule has emerged following the collapse of Guehi’s dream £35million transfer to Merseyside.
Guehi looked set to join Arne Slot’s champions after the fee was agreed, he underwent a medical, a five-year contract was drawn up, and his farewell message to Palace was recorded.
But Palace denied Guehi his exit late in the day after they were unable to source a replacement.
Now, the BBC have reported that Parish was at an afternoon fitness clash and that Guehi only got to speak to him after 6pm, with less than an hour until the transfer deadline.
Liverpool submitted a deal sheet to try and get the move over the line but Palace eventually blocked it at around 7.30pm, beyond the deadline.
Marc Guehi was denied his dream £35million move to Liverpool on deadline day
Now it has been reported that Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish (second from right) was at a fitness class on the same day
Guehi reportedly only got to speak with Parish after 6pm, with just an hour to go, while Palace had been hunting for a replacement
Parish had actually accepted the offer in the afternoon, granting Guehi permission to travel for his medical, but the club reversed course once it became clear that no new defender would arrive.
In recent days, Palace boss Oliver Glasner had made clear that he did not want to lose Guehi without a reinforcement lined up, describing his captain as ‘necessary’ to the club’s hopes of enjoying a successful campaign.
‘We had a meeting in March where we talked about the situation and we had an agreement that we could sell Marc if we had the right replacement in,’ Glasner explained. ‘We wanted to have this replacement at the beginning of pre-season to be independent.
‘That was on July 9 when the season started. It’s August 31 and there is no replacement in the building so it’s clear one part of the agreement is not fulfilled. That means we can’t sell Marc. It’s not a wish or gift for Oliver Glasner, it’s necessary for playing a successful season.’
They had appeared set to sign a replacement in the final hours of the window, with Brazil defender Igor Julio lined up for a season-long loan switch from rivals Brighton.
But he instead went to West Ham, leaving Palace in the lurch – and with no choice but to hang on to Guehi.
The England international has a year left on his deal and will have no shortage of suitors if he decides to leave next summer.
Indeed, the Sun have reported that Barcelona and Real Madrid are keeping tabs on Guehi.
Liverpool had agreed a fee, drawn up a contract, and put Guehi through his medical
Guehi’s farewell video has leaked online after Liverpool’s £35m move collapsed at 11th hour
The video, shot largely in black and white, opened with the defender thanking supporters and reflecting on his time at Selhurst Park
Palace boss Oliver Glasner had made clear that he did not want to lose Guehi without a reinforcement lined up
Liverpool’s need for a centre back next summer could be particularly amplified if Ibrahima Konate leaves.
The Frenchman only has a year left on his deal and PSG are said to be interested.
Despite his ordeal, Guehi was all smiles as he checked in for England duty after doing enough to impress Thomas Tuchel ahead of World Cup qualifiers against Andorra and Serbia.
The 25-year-old was snapped by the FA as he arrived at England’s training base on Tuesday afternoon, wearing his England tracksuit and carrying a black suitcase.
He showed no sign of being disappointed with the collapse of the move to Liverpool, and will now likely move for an even cheaper fee in January or for free next summer when his contract expires.
While his own move crumbled, the window saw a frantic final day on which Liverpool completed a British-record £125m deal for Newcastle striker Alexander Isak.
