Liverpool are in need of a new centre-back this summer, especially since Jarell Quansah is set to exit.
Although Ibrahima Konate and Virgil van Dijk are still likely to be Arne Slot’s first-choice centre-backs next season, it feels like they could do with a more reliable back-up than Joe Gomez.
Indeed, they do have Wataru Endo who can drop into the back four if needed, but if they want to challenge for the Premier League title again, they need to ensure that they have plenty of quality among their ranks.
Wataru Endo pictured holding the Premier League title.
Photo by Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images
With their centre-back chase in mind, it’s not a surprise to see numerous names getting linked with an Anfield switch, especially with the amount of work they’ve already done in the market.
Over the last week or so, a few names have been thrown into the mix regarding which centre-backs Liverpool could target.
Two names have popped up the most, with Marc Guehi one of them, and RB Leipzig’s Castello Lukeba the other.
The former of the two feels like the most likely deal to be had at the moment due to the Reds needing more homegrown players among their ranks.
Despite these rumours, however, journalist David Lynch has shut down the rumours of Lukeba’s potential move and has given an update on Liverpool’s transfer chase.
MORE LIVERPOOL STORIES
“I had information yesterday that there hasn’t been any contact just yet with Lukeba or his camp,” he said to Anfield Index.
“So don’t think anything is moving on that one but he is probably someone who is on the radar. His age, price point and who he plays for puts him on the radar, but there’s nothing concrete on that one yet.”
Castello Lukeba of RB Leipzig runs during the UEFA Champions League match against Liverpool.
Photo by Grzegorz Wajda/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images
Liverpool would be better off signing Marc Guehi over Castello Lukeba
As mentioned, Liverpool need a new centre-back this summer so that they have four senior options to choose from during the 2025-26 campaign.
Although Lukeba has plenty of potential and likely has a bright future ahead of him, it feels like Guehi would be the better option.
The Englishman has plenty of Premier League experience, and, as he only has a year left on his current deal with Crystal Palace, the centre-back could be available for a far lower fee than many would expect.
At the moment, Guehi is widely regarded as England’s best centre-back, so Liverpool locking him down to a long-term deal could be one of their first steps towards domination over the next few years.
Of course, only time will tell what the future holds, but at the moment, things are looking to be on the up for Slot and his men.