Paul Merson thinks that Liverpool would have signed Marc Guehi ahead of Manchester City if they did not trust Ibrahima Konate.
Liverpool fans were unhappy after the winter transfer window as they watched long-time target Guehi join Man City.
The Sky Blues had already signed Antoine Semenyo earlier in January, and the move for the Englishman felt like a huge blow considering the lack of options Arne Slot has at centre-back.
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There were suggestions not long after the move was completed that Guehi wasn’t signed due to wages, with the stopper reportedly now on around £300,000-a-week at the Etihad Stadium.
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But Paul Merson thinks Liverpool would have still signed Guehi if not for their trust in Ibrahima Konate.
Konate has impressed in recent matches, showing great improvements from earlier in the season.
On the Frenchman, Merson wrote in his Sportskeeda column: “Ibrahima Konate and Mohamed Salah starting to look like their old selves has helped Liverpool.
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“You don’t play for Liverpool if you’re not a good defender, so Konate must have the trust of everyone at the club. Otherwise, Liverpool would have gone all in for Guehi.”
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Rio Ngumoha of Liverpool running during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD1 match between Liverpool FC and Atletico de Madrid at Anfield. Trey Nyoni in action during Liverpool's pre-season friendly against Athletic Bilbao at Anfield. Kieran Morrison during Liverpool v Crystal Palace - Carabao Cup Fourth Round.
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Paul Merson backs Liverpool to beat Nottingham Forest
Merson was discussing Konate while predicting the outcome of Liverpool’s meeting with Nottingham Forest.
He stated: “This is a humungous game at both ends of the table. Vitor Pereira has taken over from Sean Dyche at Nottingham Forest, and he’ll be under pressure.
“Forest have to start winning games, draws won’t be enough from now on. Before this clash against Liverpool, they have to travel to Fenerbahce for their Europa League game. That could take a toll on them.
“I think Forest have a good chance of staying up because they have decent fixtures coming up. But they must look to get a result against Liverpool this weekend to set the tone for it.
“The Liverpool line-up also looks quite settled now. Few weeks ago, we had no idea who would be in the starting XI. But now, at least nine players are nailed on and that has made a difference to them. I expect a comfortable win.”
Merson went on to predict that Liverpool, who have never beaten Nottingham Forest under Slot, will win 2-0 on Sunday.
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