Arne Slot and Pep Guardiola are both monitoring the same defensive target.placeholder image
Arne Slot and Pep Guardiola are both monitoring the same defensive target. | Getty Images
Manchester City are reportedly in the race for a Liverpool target as a major threat to the Reds emerges
Arne Slot’s Liverpool will be relieved that they have almost reached January still within touching distance of the Premier League top four, after a woeful autumn almost derailed the Reds’ season entirely.
Liverpool approach their final two fixtures of 2025 seventh in the table, joint on 26 points with Crystal Palace and Manchester United above them, and just two behind fourth-placed Chelsea. While the Reds’ shot at defending their Premier League title has already all-but gone, that is the price which they have had to pay for a severely below-par campaign up to date.
Man City identify LFC-linked Marc Guehi as ‘leading target’
Liverpool may have some serious competition for one of their top targets in defence, as The Times report that Manchester City have identified Marc Guehi as a ‘leading target’ ahead of the expiry of the Crystal Palace captain’s contract in summer 2026.
The Reds were hours away from signing the 25-year-old on summer transfer deadline day but saw the rug pulled by Palace, whose manager Oliver Glasner insisted that Guehi must stay at the club. The Eagles have reportedly accepted that Guehi will leave Selhurst Park in 2026, be it in January or as a free agent next summer.
The Times’ report states that Man City are preparing to overhaul their defence next summer and have monitored England international Guehi for ‘the past couple of years’ in hope of eventually securing the signature of the former Chelsea youth product. With central defenders John Stones, Nathan Aké and Manuel Akanji all touted for an exit from the Etihad next summer, the Cityzens are in need of refreshing at the back and have identified Guehi as a prime candidate.
While reports suggest that City would prefer to sign Guehi for free in summer 2026, their hand may be forced in January if the likes of Liverpool present an offer to the Eagles to take him off their hands now.
Liverpool at risk of major hijack as Man City target Guehi
City’s interest in Guehi only increases Liverpool’s need to make a decision quickly when it comes to the player in January.
Ibrahima Konate is out of contract next summer as it stands, and his performances this season have arguably not justified the massive wage increase the France international is said to be demanding from the club.
Guardiola’s City have a stronger chance at winning the Premier League this season and could offer Guehi a starring role in their next chapter, which may prove a tantalising prospect for the Eagles star man. While the player has previously been suggested to favour a move to Anfield, the Reds might be forced to act quickly to prevent a major hijack waiting to happen.
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