Liverpool’s summer spending spree shows no signs of slowing down as the club continues to bolster its defensive lineup. The Merseyside giants have already made significant additions, including Jeremie Frimpong, Milos Kerkez, Giorgi Mamardashvili, Armin Pecsi, and Freddie Woodman. However, the club’s ambitions appear to extend further, with reports suggesting a strong interest in Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi.
The push for a new centre-back comes on the heels of Jarell Quansah’s transfer to Bayer Leverkusen. According to sources, Guehi is open to the idea of joining Liverpool, but the deal hinges on Crystal Palace’s willingness to negotiate on the transfer fee.
Liverpool’s Strategic Approach to Marc Guehi
Liverpool’s interest in Marc Guehi is clear, but the club is determined not to be pressured into meeting Crystal Palace’s current asking price, which reportedly ranges from £40 million to £45 million. As Ben Jacobs noted on X (formerly Twitter), Liverpool is evaluating other market options, including Jorrel Hato, a promising left-sided defender.
The club’s decision to advance their interest in Guehi will depend significantly on a reduction in Crystal Palace’s demands. Liverpool’s sporting director, Richard Hughes, is known for his strategic patience in the transfer market, a trait that has served the club well in the past.
The Need for Defensive Reinforcements
Liverpool’s need for a new centre-back is underscored by recent developments. The departure of Quansah has left a gap in the squad, and there are ongoing uncertainties surrounding Ibrahima Konate’s future at Anfield. Konate’s contract is set to expire in 2026, and Joe Gomez’s injury history adds further complexity to the situation.
Marc Guehi emerges as an attractive option for several reasons. Despite being slightly outside Hughes’ ideal age profile at 24, Guehi’s skill set and experience make him a valuable prospect. The England international is not only affordable but also adept with the ball, a crucial trait for a team that prioritizes possession.
By the Numbers:
- Marc Guehi: 51.93 passes attempted per 90, 83.5% completion rate
- Ibrahima Konate: 62.64 passes attempted per 90, 90.4% completion rate
*Stats from the last 365 days (all competitions), via FBref
While Guehi’s passing statistics may not match Konate’s, experts suggest that his numbers could improve in a team like Liverpool, which often dominates possession.
Guehi’s Impressive Injury Record
Another factor in Guehi’s favor is his remarkable injury record. Since missing three games in the 2020/21 season, he has only been sidelined for 13 matches with Crystal Palace, all during the 2023/24 campaign. This durability adds to his appeal as Liverpool seeks reliable defensive options.
As Liverpool continues its search for the right defensive addition, the club’s methodical approach reflects its broader strategy of building a squad capable of competing at the highest levels. The coming weeks will reveal whether Marc Guehi becomes part of that vision.
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