Reported Liverpool target Marc Guehi in action for Crystal Palace
Reported Liverpool target Marc Guehi in action for Crystal Palace
wasted no time in wrapping up the bulk of their transfer business before the window even truly kicked into gear, having already signed Jeremie Frimpong, and Milos Kerkez. ’s side, already champions, find themselves in a strong position with pre-season training set to get underway in just over a week.
That said, if reports are to be believed, a flurry of outgoings is expected, starting with Jarell Quansah’s to Bayer Leverkusen.
A number of other players face uncertain futures at Anfield, including the likes of and , but the situation at centre-back is arguably Richard Hughes and co’s most pressing concern.
It could be argued that even 12 months ago, with Quansah and already in place to provide depth, Liverpool were slightly light in defence. That need for reinforcements will only grow once Quansah completes his switch to the Bundesliga next week, and the Reds currently have no ready-made replacement.
Marc Guehi and Jorrel Hato have been the two most heavily linked with a move to Anfield, but Guehi is the option Liverpool cannot afford to miss out on this summer.
Widespread reports have credited Liverpool with long-standing interest in the England international, and that speculation has only intensified in recent weeks as Quansah’s sale became increasingly likely. It’s no surprise as Guehi is one of the few options who tick almost every box for the Reds.
A market opportunity with 12 months left on his deal, an established Premier League defender, captain of his current club, and a perfect age profile with room for development. On top of that, he is homegrown - a key consideration for Liverpool when weighing up further incomings and outgoings this summer.
According to the , Liverpool will only step up their interest if Palace’s asking price drops well below the £45m mark. For context, Newcastle United reportedly had four bids turned down last summer, the final one believed to be in the region of £65m.
The £45m figure represents a significant drop in valuation due to Guehi’s contract situation. With just a year left on his current deal and a potential free transfer looming next summer, it’s understandable why Liverpool would be reluctant to overpay.
However, if Guehi attracts broader interest from the likes of Newcastle, Chelsea or Tottenham, another club may be willing to meet Palace’s demands and pay what Liverpool will not. Understandably, Palace will be reluctant to lose their captain for a fee that, in their eyes, offers less value than simply keeping him - especially if they are granted permission to compete in next season’s Europa League, having qualified via their FA Cup win.
But for Liverpool, Guehi offers more than just a replacement for Quansah. As things stand, both Ibrahima Konate and Virgil van Dijk are out of contract within the next two years. It’s never too early to begin succession planning.
Konate’s situation is especially pressing, with the risk that he, like Trent Alexander-Arnold before him, could depart on a free next summer. And without a Club World Cup this time around, Liverpool lack the leverage to demand a fee from his next club.
The longer that uncertainty drags on, the more Liverpool must prepare for life after Konate. Guehi’s ability to play on either side of the centre-back pairing ensures he would still get minutes with both Van Dijk and Konate in place - but if the latter doesn't extend, there’s every chance Guehi could stake his claim for the shirt sooner than expected.
Ultimately, Guehi is a solution for both the present and the future. Unless Liverpool have a surprise target in mind, the 24-year-old may prove to be an opportunity they simply cannot afford to pass up, particularly at such a pivotal point in the evolution of their backline.
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