Liverpool fans had to watch on this week as long-time target Marc Guehi’s move to Manchester City was all but confirmed.
The Reds have very limited centre-back options right now, and if anything happens to the injury-prone Joe Gomez, who is also right-back cover, they will have just Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate to play every game at the heart of the back four.
In turn, a move for Marc Guehi did make sense, but it has now emerged that Man City are paying £20m for Guehi, rather than waiting until the summer to sign him on a free transfer.
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How will Liverpool turn things around if they fail to get Champions League football in 25/26?
Arne Slot expressed concern about missing out on top-tier European football in his pre-Burnley press conference
Liverpool Manager Arne Slot during the Premier League match between Fulham and Liverpool at Craven Cottage
Credit: Shaun Brooks – CameraSport/Getty Images
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With the England international on his way to the Etihad Stadium, fans may be hoping their club look at other targets.
But on that front, Chelsea could now join City in signing a Liverpool defensive target during the winter window.
Liverpool could lose out on Jeremy Jacquet to Chelsea
It emerged in December that Liverpool have extensively scouted Jeremy Jacquet this season and have labelled the player as ‘special’.
Manchester United were linked with the player at the time as well, who has previously been dubbed the ‘new William Saliba‘.
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However, as journalist Ben Jacobs reported late on Friday evening, Chelsea could now move for Jacquet this month.
He wrote on X/Twitter: “Chelsea and Jeremy Jacquet is one to watch between now and the end of the winter window. Contracted to Rennes until 2029 with the French side hoping for a record sale.
“One of Chelsea’s centre-back options. Chelsea are prepared to sign a starting centre-back this month if the right target presents. Cautious optimism they can add to the squad before the window shuts.”
This is the BEST possible Liverpool XI to take on Burnley
Liverpool vs Burnley predicted XI - GRV Media
Liverpool vs Burnley predicted XI – GRV Media
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Will Liverpool sign any players in January transfer window
Guehi seemed to be the main target to strengthen at the back, but Liverpool weren’t moving until the summer.
In terms of potential additions this month, Slot gave a transfer update ahead of Burnley but was rather coy when it came to potential incomings.
As per BBC Sport, he said: “I think everyone is aligned about the challenges we’re facing, that’s not to say we are going to act but everyone is aligned with what we’re facing.”
Should no new players, especially those of a defensive nature, arrive before the February 2 deadline, it will be a nervy end to the campaign for the Reds, who, as mentioned, are short of options at the back already.
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