Liverpool have been given some transfer advice after seeing Marc Guehi join Manchester City
Mark Whiley Sports Reporter
13:53, 25 Jan 2026
Pep Guardiola
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Pep Guardiola and Manchester City beat Liverpool to the signing of Marc Guehi(Image: Getty Images)
Liverpool have been advised to turn their attention to a Manchester City defender after failing to secure the services of Marc Guehi.
After the Reds' attempt to sign the England defender was thwarted last summer, City have managed to sign him for a bargain £20million this month. The need for a centre-back at Liverpool has become more pressing following Saturday's 3-2 loss to Bournemouth, which exposed their defensive frailties.
Former Anfield star Stephane Henchoz believes City's Manuel Akanji, currently on loan at Inter Milan, would be an ideal addition to the squad. Akanji made the move to City from Borussia Dortmund in 2022 and played a key role in their Treble-winning campaign in 2023.
Upon his arrival, City boss Pep Guardiola heaped praise on the versatile Swiss player, who can also operate as a full-back. He said: "The movement defensively and offensively, he executes it perfectly.
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"This is a gift for the manager. Some players, you have to explain 10 times or train 10 times to show what you are thinking or what you want to do. The movement he has to do as a full-back, the high pressing, he didn't train once, and he did it perfectly. With the ball, he is a magnificent player.
"Our build-up should be three in the back and that's why in the position we normally play Kyle [Walker] or John [Stones]. He was absolutely perfect. Proof again that intelligent people, always it pays off. "
However, after finding himself sidelined at the start of this season, Akanji was allowed to join Inter for the remainder of the campaign. With his long-term future hanging in the balance, Henchoz suggests Liverpool should seize the opportunity, telling Hajper: "Manuel Akanji would be an interesting option for Liverpool.
Pep Guardiola with Manuel Akanji
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Guardiola spoke highly Akanji before letting him leave City(Image: Getty Images)
"He has proven his ability in the Premier League with Manchester City, despite a slightly challenging last season due to injury. He is 30, which is not old for a centre-back, and he has a good injury record.
"I have watched him playing for Inter Milan and the Swiss national team since he left City, and he still has the necessary attributes. He possesses everything you want in a centre-back: pace, power, intelligence, good reading of the game, and comfort in possession.
"Crucially, he knows the Premier League, which is a big advantage for a January transfer. When signing a player in the winter window, you need someone who can fit in and perform immediately.
Pep Guardiola and Marc Guehi
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Guardiola handed Marc Guehi his City debut against Wolves(Image: Getty Images)
"Akanji meets those needs. Therefore, if Liverpool cannot secure their first-choice target, Akanji would definitely be an interesting alternative.
Akanji has been touted for a potential return to City this month following a defensive injury crisis in Guardiola's squad. However, the player has categorically ruled out such a move, stating after their Champions League loss to Arsenal: "No, there was no possibility of me returning to City."
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He subsequently added: "The earlier question was about whether I'd return in the winter and I said no. What happens at the end of the season is not only up to me, but I'm very happy here and I hope it can continue. We'll see what happens."
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