Liverpool have long been linked with a move for Marc Guehi, but at the moment, it feels like things have come to a halt.
Over the last month or so, several players have been linked with a potential Anfield switch, and while Guehi’s name seems to be popping up regularly, Liverpool have decided against making any further moves.
Indeed, Giovanni Leoni has just been brought in to provide some further backup, but since he’s only 18 years old, it’s unknown whether he’d be able to handle the Premier League just yet.
Liverpool FC unveil new signing Giovanni Leoni at AXA Training Centre
Photo by Nikki Dyer – LFC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images
However, after the performance that Ibrahima Konate put in during Liverpool’s 4-2 win against Bournemouth, it’s clear that he needs some regular competition to keep him at the top of his game.
Liverpool are not ‘desperate’ to bring Marc Guehi in this summer
Now that Liverpool have four centre-backs among their ranks, they have plenty of cover ahead of the 2025-26 season.
If the Reds didn’t manage to prise Leoni away from the Serie A this summer, they’d be in a whole lot of trouble and would have likely been held to ransom by Crystal Palace.
However, now that they’re in a stronger negotiating position and Guehi only has a year left on his current deal, Arne Slot can wait until a free transfer can be agreed upon or, better yet, a discounted rate for his transfer this summer.
And, while speaking live on talkSPORT, journalist Alex Crook shared an update on the future of the Englishman.
MORE LIVERPOOL STORIES
“Liverpool are not desperate to do this deal [for Marc Guehi], I think they’ll only do it if the price is right,” Crook said.
“So at the moment, I would probably edge towards Guehi staying.”
Can Liverpool manage without signing Marc Guehi this season
As mentioned, on paper, now that Liverpool have four senior centre-backs among their ranks, you’d think that they’d have plenty of cover.
However, when the injury history of Joe Gomez is taken into account, they only really have three, as the former Charlton man cannot be relied upon each week.
Indeed, when he’s fit, he’s arguably one of the best centre-backs in the Premier League, but since being fully fit seems to be a rare occurrence for Gomez these days, it’s hard to rely on him to be a reliable back-up.
In addition to his injury history, the fact that he’s also likely to be used at cover for both full-back positions this term means that he may not be able to be used at centre-back if and when needed.
Joe Gomez on the ball during Liverpool's Premier League clash against Bournemouth at Anfield.
Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images
Of course, the Reds have other options among their ranks, but since Slot knows that Gomez can hold his own, he’d likely be the first to be called upon.
These are all just ifs, buts and maybes at the moment, but with the way that things have panned out thus far, it feels like Liverpool should be more interested in acquiring Guehi’s services this summer, rather than waiting until the end of the year.
That is, especially since the Englishman has been dubbed “exceptional” by Gareth Southgate due to the performances he put in during Euro 2024.