Liverpool are finally moving in the final weeks of the transfer window to address the lack of depth in the backline.
Wataru Endo was the only option on the Reds bench who could play centre-back during the Community Shield loss against Crystal Palace on Sunday, as the need for further defensive recruits was laid bare.
Jarell Quansah moved to Bayer Leverkusen earlier this summer, and Arne Slot has yet to replace the Englishman, despite Joe Gomez’s unavailability, leaving only two senior central defensive options available.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Liverpool are in advanced negotiations to sign Marc Guehi, with Crystal Palace eager to cash in now rather than lose the defender on a free transfer at the end of the season.
The Reds have been interested in signing Guehi all summer, and now, as Slot prepares to finalise the deal, here are two potential winners and losers from both sides.
Winner: Yann Bisseck
Although it is far from ideal for Crystal Palace to lose their captain only days away from the upcoming Premier League season, Guehi’s departure could accelerate the transfer plans at Selhurst Park.
Reports claim the Eagles have lodged a £28 million offer for Yann Bisseck as he finds himself on the chopping block at Inter Milan.
The 25-year-old did miss the entirety of the Nerazzurri’s Club World Cup campaign as he nursed an injury sustained in the Champions League final in May.
Yann Bisseck takes part in an FC Internazionale Training Session
Photo by Mattia Ozbot – Inter/Inter via Getty Images
Nevertheless, it appears Bisseck is surplus to requirements at the San Siro, and now a starting berth is expected to become available at Palace.
Winner: Virgil van Dijk
Virgil van Dijk urged Liverpool to sign another attacker following the loss against Palace, but his performance at Wembley highlighted a greater need for Slot.
The captain was at fault for both of Palace’s goals as the Reds surrendered a one-goal lead on two separate occasions before losing the clash on penalties.
Although it is premature to suggest van Dijk is slowing down in his Liverpool career, at 34, he will undoubtedly benefit from having his minutes managed this season.
Van Dijk of Liverpool looks on during Community Shield
Photo by Catherine Ivill – AMA/Getty Images
Guehi can slot into the left-sided centre-back role and ease the burden on van Dijk to perform every three days, which, in turn, greatly improves the chances of the Reds competing on all fronts.
Loser: Joe Gomez
TBR Football exclusively revealed in June that Liverpool had considered selling Gomez this summer, but as things stand, neither the club nor the player has raised the question.
The 28-year-old is the Reds’ longest-serving player and has played a pivotal role at Anfield over the years despite an injury-plagued career.
However, his abysmal fitness record leaves a lot to be desired, and it is unlikely Slot will be willing to leave himself in a position where he must rely on Gomez to remain available.
Liverpool v West Ham United - Carabao Cup Third Round
Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images
And with Parma centre-back Giovanni Leoni also a target at Anfield, it is hard to envision where Gomez fits into the first-team picture should both Leoni and Guehi arrive at Liverpool.
Loser: Oliver Glasner
Throughout his year-and-a-half stint in South London, Oliver Glasner has proven his credentials as a top-level manager after delivering the FA Cup last season for the first time in the club’s 105-year history.
And while he also claimed victory over the Reds in the Community Shield, he will be forced to lose his captain ahead of a debut season in Europe.
Begrudgingly, Palace will play Europa Conference League football this season, and losing Guehi could have significant ramifications for Glasner’s chances of competing in the competition.
Oliver Glasner during a friendly between Crystal Palace and Mainz
Photo by Crystal Pix/MB Media/Getty Images
Furthermore, Glasner’s contract at Selhurst Park will expire in 2026, and losing Guehi certainly doesn’t bode well for the Austrian and the chances of him extending his stay beyond the upcoming season.