Liverpool Step Up Pursuit of Marc Guehi Amid Defensive Concerns
The transfer saga surrounding Marc Guehi has gained momentum after Fabrizio Romano confirmed that Liverpool remain locked in negotiations with Crystal Palace for the England international. Romano’s involvement lends credibility to the story, suggesting talks have advanced beyond initial enquiries and reflect Liverpool’s genuine intent.
The Reds’ pursuit of Guehi highlights growing concerns within the club’s hierarchy—sporting director Richard Hughes and head coach Arne Slot are well aware of the thin defensive options available heading into the new campaign. Currently, Liverpool rely on just three senior centre-backs: Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konaté, and Joe Gomez.
While Giovanni Leoni’s £26m arrival from Parma offered promise, the 18-year-old’s inexperience—only 17 senior appearances—makes him a risky option in the short term. Expecting the teenager to immediately adapt to the demands of Premier League and Champions League football could prove a gamble.
Konaté’s uncertain future only adds to the urgency. With his contract expiring in 2026, Real Madrid are reportedly prepared to lure him with an €18m signing bonus should he leave on a free. If Liverpool cannot secure his long-term commitment, they risk losing a cornerstone of their defence without compensation.
Guehi, 24, represents a logical solution. As Crystal Palace captain and an England regular, he combines leadership, composure, and proven Premier League experience. His contract—also expiring in 2026—puts Palace in a similar dilemma to Liverpool: sell now or risk losing him for nothing later.
From a tactical standpoint, Guehi would suit Slot’s system. His pace, ball-playing ability, and organisational skills align with Liverpool’s high defensive line. Importantly, his arrival would also ease the pressure on younger players like Leoni and provide rotation options to keep van Dijk and Konaté fresh across a gruelling season.
Liverpool’s need was underlined in their recent clash with Bournemouth, where defensive lapses from van Dijk and Konaté highlighted the dangers of relying on too few options. The modern game demands depth, and top clubs typically carry at least four top-level centre-backs to cope with injuries, suspensions, and fatigue.
Financially, Liverpool are expected to tread carefully. While Guehi’s price tag will be significant, Palace’s limited leverage due to his contract situation may help bring costs into a negotiable range. Still, with rival clubs also searching for defensive reinforcements, competition could push the fee higher.
Long-term, Guehi fits the profile Liverpool are targeting: a player entering his prime years, capable of anchoring the defence for seasons to come. His leadership qualities and experience would also help mentor younger defenders, raising standards across the squad.
For Crystal Palace, a transfer would deliver a substantial fee to reinvest in their squad. For Liverpool, it would provide immediate security and long-term stability in a position of critical importance.
The ongoing negotiations reflect more than opportunism—they represent a strategic necessity. Whether or not a deal is struck before the window closes, Liverpool’s pursuit of Guehi signals both ambition and pragmatism as they prepare for a demanding season ahead.
