Liverpool Football Club is reportedly considering a renewed bid for Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi in the upcoming January transfer window. The Merseyside club had tried to bolster its defensive core by signing Guehi on Deadline Day. But at the last minute, literally minutes before closing, the deal crumbled. Now, Liverpool needs to regroup to reshape the squad further.
Guehi, a remarkable centre-back for Crystal Palace, has sparked a great deal of interest from clubs of all stature after his outstanding performances in the EPL. Still having understood after the fact that they needed more defensive depth, Liverpool is said to be still very much interested in bringing Guehi. His ability to enhance the performance of fellow defenders has made him an attractive target for the Premier League giants.
A Shift in Crystal Palace’s Stance
Recent reports suggest that Crystal Palace has begun to accept that Guehi’s tenure at the club may be nearing its end. The club is indeed said to be cognizant of Liverpool’s interest and thus ready for the eventuality of a sale. So Liverpool could take a new tack come January. Undoubtedly, they’d like to add some beef up front ahead of the stretch run.
To hear from former England international Charlie Austin on what Guehi brings to the squad, watch the full video here.
“He makes the other two play really well and up their level. It’s a worry if he gets injured; he makes everyone on the pitch better.” – Charlie Austin
Guehi’s absence could prove detrimental, particularly given Liverpool’s reliance on Virgil van Dijk as their only world-class centre-back. Austin emphasized the necessity for Liverpool to reinforce their defense:
“They have to. They now need another centre-half to make it four. They have three senior ones which is fine but they only have one world-class one in Virgil van Dijk.” – Charlie Austin
The Competitive Landscape for Guehi
Operation Guehi may turn out to be free next summer. As such, just like their Italian counterparts, Europe’s biggest clubs are already starting to seriously fight over his signature. Real Madrid, Barcelona and Bayern Munich are said to be keen on the young defender. So if Liverpool want him, they need to move quickly to get him.
The next opportunity comes in the January window, which allows teams to agree pre-contract deals with players not in the Premier League. This situation might push Guehi’s decision back to the summer, though, when he’d have a broader array of offers to choose from.
Crystal Palace could face competition from other clubs willing to tempt them with offers for Guehi, further complicating Liverpool’s pursuit. The situation remains fluid, and Liverpool’s management is likely monitoring developments closely.
Implications for Liverpool’s Season
The club’s defensive struggles have been evident, and adding a player of Guehi’s caliber could be the difference between competing for titles or falling short.
With just one elite-level centre-back in Virgil van Dijk, that naturally increases the burden on the team’s defence. A more consistent partner like Guehi would not only be an upgrade defensively, but would offer depth and versatility to their backline.
Leave a Reply