If there is one position Liverpool supporters would like to see strengthened this summer it’s central defence.
The Reds have virtually been able to pick from two senior centre-backs all season long, with Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate burdened with an extreme load.
Thankfully, neither defender has broken down so far, but with so many games still left to play, it feels like only a matter of time before they do.
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Who are you picking as Virgil van Dijk’s centre-back partner next season?
Marc Guehi pictured smiling during Crystal Palace training (Credit: Getty Images/Warren Little). Ibrahima Konate lines up ahead of Liverpool's Premier League match against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium (Credit: Getty Images/Visionhaus). Giovanni Leoni trains during a session with Liverpool (Credit: Getty Images/Nick Taylor/Liverpool FC). Nico Schlotterbeck gestures to the crowd during Borussia Dortmund's Bundesliga match against RB Leipzig at Signal Iduna Park (Credit: Getty Images/Max Ellerbrake - firo sportphoto).
Photo Credit: Getty Image/Warren Little/Visionhaus/Nick Taylor/Liverpool FC/Max Ellerbrake- Firo sportphoto
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When that happens, Liverpool must have another senior option to call upon. Joe Gomez cannot be trusted to stay fit, so that must come via a January arrival.
Marc Guehi would be the dream choice for many Liverpool fans, but Monday brought news that Man City are exploring a deal for Guehi, making his arrival at Anfield even more unlikely. With that bombshell ringing around their ears, Reds fans have been given a new target to focus on.
Liverpool pondering move for Charlie Cresswell
As they looked into potential centre-back signings last summer, the name of Charlie Cresswell came up more than once.
The former Leeds United defender has been starring for French side Toulouse since joining in 2024, and has caught the eye as a regular for England U21s as well.
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Photo by ALEX MARTIN/AFP via Getty Images
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According to French outlet Sport, his good performances have led to interest from Liverpool, who are said to be ‘closely monitoring’ his progress.
Cresswell is claimed to ‘tick all the boxes’ for both Liverpool and Newcastle, who have watched as the 23-year-old has become a ‘pillar’ for Toulouse.
Man City are also named as a potential suitor, with Toulouse valuing Cresswell at around £22m going into the January window.
How would YOU react if Marc Guehi joins Man City instead of Liverpool in January?
Marc Guehi is now being targeted by Man City in January
(Photo by Malcolm Couzens/Getty Images
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Cresswell definitely one to watch for Liverpool
As they search for an ideal new centre-back, one of the biggest criteria for Liverpool appears to be that he is a homegrown talent.
It was what made Guehi such an attractive signing, and with non-homegrown spots severely limited at the moment, it would make sense that anyone coming in during January would have spent their formative years at a British club.
Cresswell does indeed tick that box, and that of several others, including his ability to dominate aerially.
He may not be the big-name signing most supporters are keen to see arrive this winter, but there is plenty that Cresswell does competently, and he would be a good squad option for the Reds.
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