Liverpool’s defensive frailties have been painfully uncovered throughout their surprising FA Cup exit by the hands of Championship strugglers Plymouth. With Joe Gomez and Jarell Quansah beginning on the coronary heart of defence, the Reds regarded shaky from the off. The state of affairs worsened when Gomez was pressured off by damage, leaving Wataru Endo to fill in at centre-back – a task removed from his pure place. The absence of Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate was evident, and it’s clear that reinforcements are urgently wanted.
Defensive Considerations Mounting at Anfield
Liverpool’s defensive depth is below scrutiny, particularly with the looming uncertainties surrounding key gamers. Van Dijk’s contract is ready to run out in the summertime of 2025, and whispers about Konate’s potential transfer to Paris Saint-Germain are rising louder. Ought to the Reds lose both—or each—of their defensive stalwarts, the necessity for contemporary faces on the again turns into crucial.
Guehi on Liverpool’s Radar
Spanish outlet report that Liverpool are amongst a number of Premier League golf equipment eyeing Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi. Manchester United, Arsenal, and Chelsea are additionally stated to have an interest within the England worldwide. Tottenham Hotspur had a £70 million bid rejected for Guehi on the finish of the winter switch window, however Palace’s stance may soften by summer season.
With Guehi coming into the ultimate yr of his contract and no indicators of a renewal, Palace could also be pressured to promote. This might see his worth drop to as little as £40 million—a major £30 million low cost from Tottenham’s earlier supply. Given Liverpool’s switch technique below FSG and Richard Hughes, which favours “opportunistic” signings, this deal might align completely with their method.
Guehi’s Rising Profile
Since his transfer 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 solely grow to be a mainstay in Palace’s backline however has additionally earned recognition on the worldwide degree with England. This season alone, he has made 23 Premier League appearances, contributing three objectives—a formidable feat for a centre-back. His complete tally of 139 video games for Palace underscores his expertise and reliability.
Our View – Anfield Index Evaluation
Marc Guehi is undoubtedly a proficient defender, however is he really the calibre of participant Liverpool must shore up their defence? Let’s not neglect that Crystal Palace are hardly a defensive powerhouse, and whereas Guehi has shone in patches, entering into the sneakers of Van Dijk or Konate is a completely totally different problem.
Then there’s the monetary side. Sure, £40 million is a “discount” in comparison with £70 million, however is it actually a steal for a participant untested on the highest degree of European competitors? Liverpool followers have seen “opportunistic” signings earlier than, and never all have panned out. There’s additionally the chance of repeating previous errors—shopping for potential slightly than confirmed high quality.
Furthermore, with Arne Slot now on the helm, the course of Liverpool’s recruitment may shift. Slot’s tactical calls for might require a unique profile of defender, one maybe more proficient at enjoying out from the again or becoming right into a excessive line of defense. Guehi may match the invoice on paper, however whether or not he’s the best man to guide Liverpool’s defence into a brand new period is up for debate.
In brief, whereas Guehi’s potential arrival might add depth, Liverpool supporters have each proper to query if he’s the transformative signing the membership wants.