Report: Liverpool Join Transfer Race for Premier League Star at £40m | OneFootball

Liverpool Eyeing Bargain Move for Crystal Palace Star Marc Guehi

Liverpool’s defensive frailties were painfully exposed during their shocking FA Cup exit at the hands of Championship strugglers Plymouth. With Joe Gomez and Jarell Quansah starting at the heart of defence, the Reds looked shaky from the off. The situation worsened when Gomez was forced off through injury, leaving Wataru Endo to fill in at centre-back – a role far from his natural position. The absence of Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate was glaring, and it’s clear that reinforcements are urgently needed.

Defensive Concerns Mounting at Anfield

Liverpool’s defensive depth is under scrutiny, especially with the looming uncertainties surrounding key players. Van Dijk’s contract is set to expire in the summer of 2025, and whispers about Konate’s potential move to Paris Saint-Germain are growing louder. Should the Reds lose either—or both—of their defensive stalwarts, the need for fresh faces at the back becomes critical.

Photo: IMAGO

Guehi on Liverpool’s Radar

Spanish outlet Fichajes report that Liverpool are among several Premier League clubs eyeing Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi. Manchester United, Arsenal, and Chelsea are also said to be interested in the England international. Tottenham Hotspur had a £70 million bid rejected for Guehi at the end of the winter transfer window, but Palace’s stance might soften by summer.

With Guehi entering the final year of his contract and no signs of a renewal, Palace may be forced to sell. This could see his price drop to as low as £40 million—a significant £30 million discount from Tottenham’s previous offer. Given Liverpool’s transfer strategy under FSG and Richard Hughes, which favours “opportunistic” signings, this deal could align perfectly with their approach.

Guehi’s Rising Profile

Since his move from Chelsea to Crystal Palace in 2021 for £18 million, Guehi has cemented his place as a top-tier defender. The 24-year-old has not only become a mainstay in Palace’s backline but has also earned recognition at the international level with England. This season alone, he has made 23 Premier League appearances, contributing three goals—an impressive feat for a centre-back. His total tally of 139 games for Palace underscores his experience and reliability.

Photo: IMAGO

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

Marc Guehi is undoubtedly a talented defender, but is he truly the calibre of player Liverpool need to shore up their defence? Let’s not forget that Crystal Palace are hardly a defensive powerhouse, and while Guehi has shone in patches, stepping into the shoes of Van Dijk or Konate is an entirely different challenge.

Then there’s the financial aspect. Yes, £40 million is a “bargain” compared to £70 million, but is it really a steal for a player untested at the highest level of European competition? Liverpool fans have seen “opportunistic” signings before, and not all have panned out. There’s also the risk of repeating past mistakes—buying potential rather than proven quality.

Moreover, with Arne Slot now at the helm, the direction of Liverpool’s recruitment might shift. Slot’s tactical demands could require a different profile of defender, one perhaps more adept at playing out from the back or fitting into a high defensive line. Guehi might fit the bill on paper, but whether he’s the right man to lead Liverpool’s defence into a new era is up for debate.

In short, while Guehi’s potential arrival could add depth, Liverpool supporters have every right to question if he’s the transformative signing the club needs.