Liverpool must sign another central defender before the transfer deadline, that much has become apparent at Anfield.
The Reds signed Giovanni Leoni in a £30 million deal with Parma to bolster the defensive ranks, and the Italian centre-back was present for the 4-2 win against Bournemouth.
Although Liverpool are approaching the £300 million mark for money spent this summer, the need for another defender has been glaring – Arne Slot couldn’t name a natural centre-back for his bench in the Community Shield.
Marc Guehi is a long-standing transfer target at Anfield, and interest has ramped up in recent weeks despite sources informing TBR Football that Guehi is expected to stay at Crystal Palace and see out the final year of his contract as things stand.
Marc Guehi after Crystal Palace defeated Liverpool in the 2025 FA Community Shield
Photo by Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images
Liverpool will not be forced into overpaying for the England international, knowing he could arrive on Merseyside as a free transfer in 2026, but after what the defender did for Crystal Palace in the Europa Conference League, it may be time to revisit this outlook.
Marc Guehi shines for Crystal Palace in Europe
Make no mistake, Liverpool want to sign Guehi now and will force the issue with Palace in the remaining weeks of the transfer window.
Furthermore, David Ornstein revealed Guehi would move to Liverpool regardless of prior concerns surrounding game time, should the clubs agree on a fee.
The 25-year-old has remained a model professional throughout the intense speculation regarding his future and captained his side for their European bow against Fredrikstad FK on Thursday evening.
Marc Guehi vs Fredikstad FK Total
Touches 120
Pass Accuracy 90%
Ground Duels won 100%
Aerial Duels won 80%
Long Balls completed 63%
Key Passes 3
Big Chances created 2
Statistics provided by Sofascore.
Guehi is highly regarded as one of the best centre-backs in the Premier League and is a regular in the England national side, but until Thursday, he had never featured in European competition before.
The Champions League is a whole different ball game compared to Europe’s third-tier competition; however, to produce a Man of the Match display on his first appearance is nothing short of spectacular.
Liverpool cannot afford to wait for Marc Guehi
Reports suggest Tottenham have also approached Guehi and have presented the defender with a “very, very, very good” offer.
Once Guehi is released from his Crystal Palace contract, every big side across Europe will be knocking at his door to present their offer.
Indeed, Liverpool will be confident in the groundwork they have done this summer, and that Anfield will still be an attractive landing spot in 2026.
Nevertheless, Leoni will need time to adapt to life in English football, and Joe Gomez cannot be relied upon to remain fit throughout the season – one or two injuries, and the Reds would be dealing with a defensive crisis, it is simply not worth the risk.