Liverpool Football Club are currently in talks with Crystal Palace over the possible acquisition of club captain Marc Guehi. The Reds are reportedly keen on bolstering their backline. This is compounded by the fact that, as Ibrahima Konate enters the final year of his contract, the situation has an impetus on its side.
Guehi, part of the Crystal Palace team that recently lifted the Community Shield, is said to be excited about a possible transfer to Liverpool. He is approaching the conclusion of his present contract. Given the timing, it would be a surprise if he does sign an extension of his contract with Palace. This turn of events makes for a highly profitable free transfer option next summer. If he decides to fulfill his contract, then he will miss the opportunity.
As many as six top European clubs are reportedly interested in signing Guehi. They would like to see him become a free agent by the end of the 2025/26 campaign. He remains in the market for defensive reinforcements this summer. Tottenham Hotspur are being heavily linked with central defensive recruits. They saw a bid for the young defender turned down during the winter transfer window. Newcastle United, which had valued Guehi at £70 million last summer, is not expected to pursue him after securing a deal for centre-back Malick Thiaw from AC Milan.
Liverpool’s plan would completely depend on them agreeing terms with Crystal Palace first before talking personal terms with Guehi. Veteran defenders are desperately needed right now by the club. As noted by journalists like Sky Sports’ Paul Merson, they need to make a move for an established center-back like Guehi rather than pursue more attacking players.
“If I were Liverpool, I’d be looking more for a centre-back than signing Alexander Isak. Arne Slot has enough options going forward without needing Isak.” – Sky Sports’ Paul Merson
As the Merseyside club’s interest in Guehi intensifies, the new Premier League side is still trying to find their best defensive shape. Merson highlighted the urgency for Liverpool to strengthen their defense, noting that “Hugo Ekitike looked very good against Crystal Palace. They desperately need another defender.”
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