Liverpool are heading into a January transfer window that many expected to be quiet, but behind the scenes at Anfield something significant is gathering pace. The club rarely acts in winter unless there is a serious reason: a threat from rivals, a unique market opportunity, or a player they refuse to lose. The days of rushed, last-minute buys like Ozan Kabak and Ben Davies are long gone. Modern Liverpool move carefully, quietly, and with intent. A January signing usually signals that another major club is circling, and Liverpool are unwilling to let history repeat itself.
Fans still remember how Liverpool acted decisively to beat Manchester United to Cody Gakpo, and how they hijacked Tottenham’s pursuit of Luis Díaz. Those moments showed Liverpool’s strength and ambition. But this January feels different. The club is transitioning under Arne Slot, still piecing together a new identity, and one crucial element is missing.
One of the biggest frustrations of the summer was the collapse of the Marc Guehi deal. The fee was agreed, personal terms sorted, and Liverpool were ready—until Crystal Palace backed out at the last minute. Liverpool saw Guehi as the ideal long-term defensive partner for the post-van Dijk era. The failed move was a heavy blow.
Most assumed Liverpool would simply wait and sign him for free in the summer, when his contract expires and Palace lose all leverage. That would mean a bigger signing-on fee for Guehi and zero income for Palace. The logical move was patience. But now the situation has changed. According to Football Insider, Liverpool are preparing a renewed push to sign Guehi in January.
From the outside, it looks strange—why pay now when he could be free in a few months? But Liverpool know the summer will attract almost every elite club: Manchester United, Chelsea, Bayern Munich, Juventus, even Manchester City. Too many heavyweights chasing the same opportunity. Liverpool want to strike before the battle begins.
Crystal Palace also know January is their last chance to cash in. If they reject a solid offer now, they risk losing their captain for nothing. Should Liverpool bid seriously, Palace may have no choice but to accept. Then the decision falls to Guehi himself. Liverpool were his preferred destination in the summer. He believed in the project and the long-term vision. Now he must decide whether that feeling still holds.
Meanwhile, rival interest complicates everything. Big clubs will tempt his camp with huge wages and signing-on fees, especially if he becomes a free agent. From a financial standpoint, waiting makes sense. But football decisions are not only about money. At Liverpool, Guehi would be a key piece of the rebuild and an immediate fit in Slot’s system. At other clubs he risks becoming just another addition.
Inside Liverpool, he is highly valued. Arne Slot sees him as a foundational defender. Richard Hughes views him as a pillar for the next era. With van Dijk nearing the twilight of his career, Liverpool are seeking their next defensive leader—someone strong, composed, aerially dominant, and capable of stepping straight into high-pressure matches. Guehi ticks every box.
This is why Liverpool are not prepared to wait. Financially, patience benefits the club—but competitively, it is dangerous. The only way to secure him without chaos is to move early, before rivals launch their bids and before his agent is pulled in multiple directions.
Liverpool also need leadership urgently. They want a centre-back who can command the defence immediately, not one who needs years of development. Guehi has already shown he can handle responsibility and pressure at Palace.
Some fans may question the timing or argue that attackers should be the priority. But recent seasons have shown that modern football punishes hesitation. One missed signing can unravel an entire season. Solid centre-backs win titles as much as goal-scorers do.
If Liverpool secure Guehi in January, it will be more than a signing—it will be a statement of intent. It will show the club is fully committed to the rebuild and still capable of acting decisively in the market. It will reassure the squad, inspire the supporters, and send a message to Europe’s elite: Liverpool remain ambitious and dangerous.
Over the next few weeks, rumours will intensify. Palace will downplay the situation, rivals will pretend they’re not watching, and journalists will flood the news cycle. Fans will debate every update. But one thing is certain: Liverpool are preparing something.
There are risks, as always. Nothing in football is guaranteed. But Liverpool have never hesitated when the right player appears—and Guehi fits their vision perfectly. This is how Díaz arrived. This is how Gakpo arrived. And it may now be how history repeats itself.
If Marc Guehi walks into Anfield this January, the surprise will end—and the football world will be reminded that Liverpool are alert, ambitious, and building something big.
