Liverpool look set to officially confirm the signing of Milos Kerkez from Bournemouth, but for manager Arne Slot and the Anfield recruitment team, capturing Crystal Palace star Marc Guehi should be seen as an even greater priority as they aim for European and domestic dominance.
The Reds have been vocal about their intent to retain the Premier League title and continue bolstering their trophy cabinet next season — most notably breaking British transfer records with the £116 million arrival of Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen last week.
Jeremie Frimpong has also joined Slot’s squad after Liverpool triggered his £29.5 million release clause. However, signing Guehi would give Slot the perfect long-term partner for captain Virgil van Dijk at the heart of defence.
Guehi Deal Should Take Priority for Reds
While Kerkez is an exciting prospect, persuading Guehi to make the switch is a more significant move for Liverpool. Amid reports that Guehi has told friends of his desire to join the reigning Premier League champions, sporting director Richard Hughes must move quickly to open talks with Crystal Palace.
With Fenway Sports Group backing big spending and the Reds showing they’re unafraid to pay up this summer, the club must put serious pressure on Palace after Tottenham failed to land Guehi with a £70 million offer.
Guehi’s expiring £50,000-per-week deal, with just 12 months left to run, hands Liverpool a huge advantage — especially with Palace keen to avoid losing their captain for nothing at the end of next season. Hughes and his team must capitalise on this, as Guehi — labelled ‘world-class’ — could form a formidable partnership with Van Dijk if given the green light for a fresh challenge.
Guehi Could Complete a Formidable Backline
With Konaté’s contract talks at Anfield stalling and Jarell Quansah heading to Leverkusen for £34 million after the Under-21 Euros, recruiting Guehi is becoming even more crucial. The England international would slot straight into Slot’s starting eleven and help Liverpool challenge for silverware again.
With new arrivals Frimpong and Kerkez also in the mix, Guehi would make the Reds’ defence far tougher to breach. Since his £18 million switch to Palace from Chelsea in 2021, Guehi has been one of the most consistent centre-backs in the Premier League — and his addition would send a clear signal of Liverpool’s ambition.
Although Wirtz will naturally grab most of the headlines — especially given his lucrative £12.8 million bonus-laden deal — signing Guehi would arguably be even more vital for Liverpool than bringing in Kerkez, and the club will be desperate to close the deal as soon as possible.
