Liverpool boss Arne Slot was not happy with Hugo Ekitike's dismissal against Southampton.placeholder image
Liverpool boss Arne Slot was not happy with Hugo Ekitike's dismissal against Southampton. | Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images
Liverpool may have a boost above other clubs in their pursuit of Marc Guehi
Liverpool are still heavily linked with top summer transfer target Marc Guehi and could still have a foot in the door, despite recent conflicting reports.
The Reds came within a whisker of signing the centre-back on Deadline Day but talks collapsed in the 11th hour. As Crystal Palace hadn’t signed a replacement, they pulled the plug on the pending deal, despite accepting Liverpool’s offer and Guehi agreeing personal terms.
The Premier League champions are still huge admirers of Guehi and are hoping to reignite conversations with him in 2026. There is plenty of competition up against them this time but the Reds could have an upper-hand over all the others.
Liverpool could have ‘gentleman’s agreement’ with Marc Guehi
An interesting update on Liverpool’s pursuit of Guehi has emerged ahead of the festive period. According to Sky Sports’ Kaveh Solhekol, Liverpool could have an unofficial agreement in place with the England international.
The Reds have made signing a new defender a top priority for 2026, with Ibrahima Konate due to leave the club unless he signs a new contract.
“We know they're definitely going to sign a new centre-back in 2026. Now, could it be Marc Guehi? I've heard talk that he may have a gentleman's agreement with Liverpool, that he will sign for Liverpool. Of course, he almost signed for them until the deal collapsed on deadline day in the summer,” Solhekol said.
“But remember, in January, he will be free to talk to foreign clubs and Bayern Munich want him, Real Madrid want him. I think he's on a target list for Barcelona as well. Barcelona head coach has said that they will be signing a centre-back as well.
“I think it would make sense for everyone if he leaves in the summer. I think he would get a better deal and also I think it would be better for Crystal Palace to hold on to him because they've still got a lot to play for this season.”
Will Liverpool sign new players in January?
While Liverpool remain linked with Guehi and other centre-back targets, they are now considering new options in attack as well. Despite spending the bulk of their record-breaking summer cash amount on new forwards, the Reds find themselves considering a new striker ahead of the new year.
With Isak out, Hugo Ekitike is now the only natural centre-forward on Slot’s senior roster. While Mohamed Salah has shown he can play in the No.9 position, Liverpool could potentially be without him until late January.
The winger is off the mark at the Africa Cup of Nations following Egypt’s 2-1 win over Zimbabwe. Depending on how far the Pharaohs reach in the tournament, Salah could be unavailable until beyond January 18th, which is when the AFCON final will take place.
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