Marc Guehi Transfer: Liverpool “Hold Key Advantage” | OneFootball

Defensive Reinforcements a Priority for Liverpool

Liverpool face a crucial summer transfer window as they look to strengthen their squad after a season that has exposed vulnerabilities at the back. While the team has performed admirably, defensive reinforcements are expected to be a priority, particularly with key players ageing and depth required in the centre-back position.

The need for defensive stability was evident in the first half of the campaign, and with the summer window approaching, Liverpool appear poised to address this concern. Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that a new centre-back is high on the club’s agenda, and recent reports suggest they are leading the race for one of the Premier League’s most sought-after defenders.

Liverpool in Pole Position for Crystal Palace Star

According to former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson, Liverpool are currently “at the front of the queue” to sign Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi. The 23-year-old has established himself as one of the most reliable centre-backs in the Premier League, attracting interest from multiple top clubs.

Last summer, Newcastle United made a bold attempt to secure Guehi’s signature, reportedly offering £70 million for the England international. However, Crystal Palace stood firm, refusing to sanction a deal.

Speaking on the Inside Track podcast, Robinson suggested that Palace are now “prepared to listen to offers” but will demand a significant fee for the defender.

“Palace aren’t going to let him leave on a free, so this is the summer they’re going to cash in and get the money for him,” he stated.

Why Liverpool Hold the Advantage

With Guehi’s contract entering its final 12 months, some might expect his valuation to drop. However, Robinson believes this will not necessarily be the case.

“The fee may slightly have dropped – but potentially not because there’s going to be a bidding war,” he added.

Newcastle remain keen on securing the defender, but Liverpool’s financial position gives them a crucial edge in negotiations. After minimal activity in the last two transfer windows, the Reds have both the resources and the squad space to bring in new signings, making them a strong contender for Guehi’s signature.

“Liverpool, at the moment, with the lack of recruitment in the last two windows, are at the front of the queue because they’ve got room to bring players in,” Robinson explained.

Will Liverpool Meet Crystal Palace’s Asking Price?

The key question now is whether Liverpool are willing to meet Crystal Palace’s valuation of Guehi. The London club have demonstrated their ability to stand firm on transfer fees, as seen with previous sales. While the Reds are in a strong position, they will need to negotiate carefully to secure the deal.

With defensive reinforcements a top priority, Guehi fits the profile of what Liverpool require. The coming weeks will determine whether the Merseyside club can finalise an agreement, but at present, they appear to be leading the race.

Marc Guehi’s Performance Metrics: A Data-Driven Analysis

Marc Guehi’s statistical profile over the last 365 days provides key insights into his strengths and areas for improvement compared to other centre-backs. His numbers indicate a well-rounded defender with notable contributions in both attacking and defensive phases.

Attacking Contributions

Guehi stands out for his attacking output, ranking in high percentiles for non-penalty goals (91st percentile), expected assisted goals (xAG) (83rd percentile), and assists (90th percentile). These figures highlight his ability to contribute offensively, an uncommon trait for centre-backs.

Defensive Strengths

Defensively, Guehi excels in clearances (92nd percentile) and blocks (60th percentile), underlining his ability to read the game and make crucial interventions. However, his tackles and interceptions (44th percentile) suggest he is more reliant on positioning rather than aggressive challenges. His ability to win aerial duels (30th percentile) is relatively low, indicating this might be an area for improvement.

Possession and Ball Progression

Guehi shows competence in ball progression, with progressive passes (73rd percentile) and progressive carries (50th percentile), demonstrating his willingness to move the ball forward. His pass completion rate (64th percentile) is solid, though not elite, and suggests room for refinement under a possession-heavy system like Liverpool’s.

Dribbler Engagement

His percentage of dribblers tackled (71st percentile) suggests he is proactive when facing attackers, but his relatively low tackles and interceptions stat may indicate he chooses his defensive battles wisely rather than diving into challenges frequently.

Conclusion

Guehi’s profile presents him as a progressive ball-playing centre-back with attacking upside and defensive solidity. While his aerial duels and tackling numbers may need improvement, his ability to contribute in possession and defensive organisation makes him an ideal fit for a top club looking for a modern centre-back.