Liverpool’s defensive issues have been one of their main problems in the 2025-26 season.
Ever since the campaign kicked off, things just haven’t been going to plan, with Giovanni Leoni even getting ruled out for the season.
Since the Italian is now ruled out, Arne Slot only has three senior centre-back options among his ranks.
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It was made very clear when Crystal Palace beat Liverpool 3-0 on Wednesday that three senior options is nowhere near enough, as both Wataru Endo and Andy Robertson were shoe-horned into a back three with Joe Gomez.
Wataru Endo of Liverpool looks on during the MEIJI YASUDA J.LEAGUE World Challenge 2025 presented by The Nippon Foundation match between Yokohama F•Marinos and Liverpool at Nissan Stadium
Photo by Masashi Hara/Getty Images
The first 40 minutes of their performance was impressive, but from that point on, the cracks started to show with Endo performing particularly poorly.
Liverpool must sign a new centre-back in the summer to replace Wataru Endo
Although Slot may have described Endo as “special” last season, that’s been far from the case this time around.
Each time the Japan international has played, he’s performed well below his usual standards, and he looks to be half the player he was last term.
Whether he’s used in his natural position of defensive midfield or even as a centre-back, it’s clear that Endo’s time with Liverpool is coming to its natural end.
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This is why signing Marc Guehi should be at the top of the Reds’ priority list this summer.
A move for the Englishman in the summer fell through at the 11th hour; however, now that he’s set to be a free agent, he will be able to take his time with discussions and choose whichever team he thinks will be best for his career.
He’d have a clear run into Liverpool’s starting XI upon his arrival, especially with the recent form that Ibrahima Konate has been in.
It would also help shore up the Reds’ defence and make them a better team in general.
Why Marc Guehi is the best option for Liverpool
Not only does Guehi have plenty of Premier League experience, but the fact that he’d be available for nothing will likely play a massive part in Liverpool’s decision-making process.
It’d be a financially viable move after their massive summer of spending this term, and it would allow Slot to have one of England’s best centre-backs at his disposal.
The fact that he’s also a ball-playing defender will work in his favour, as, when Virgil van Dijk eventually leaves, Liverpool don’t have anyone to fill the void left by the Dutchman.
Virgil van Dijk of Liverpool reacts during the Premier League match between Liverpool and Manchester United at Anfield
Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images
Guehi has also already proven multiple times this season that he’s one of the main reasons why Palace’s back line are so strong.
There’s obviously still plenty of time before a decision has to be made, but the fact that the Reds had already agreed a contract with Guehi and he was willing to join could mean that they get first dibs on the Englishman.