Journalist: Liverpool ‘Definitely Interested’ in Signing Premier League Defender | OneFootball

Liverpool Eyeing Crystal Palace Defender as Centre-Back Plans Take Shape

As Liverpool prepare to build on their Premier League title triumph under Arne Slot, defensive reinforcements have become a key focus behind the scenes. With Jarell Quansah’s expected £35 million move to Bayer Leverkusen and uncertainty surrounding Ibrahima Konaté’s future, Liverpool’s interest in Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi has gained serious traction.

David Lynch, speaking to Dave Davis for Anfield Index, revealed important context around Liverpool’s pursuit of the England international, laying bare the reality of Palace’s weakened negotiating position.

“A lot is going to depend on what happens with Palace’s demands. They were very firm with Newcastle United last time there was a saga around Guehi and they will say they were justified in that because they qualified for Europe and won the FA Cup.”

Palace’s strong stance in previous windows worked in their favour, but they now face a very different scenario. Guehi is entering the final year of his contract and while Palace might wish to keep him for their own European campaign, the risk of losing him for free in 12 months is clearly a factor.

“But with one-year left on his deal, their position is now further weakened so it’s a case of whether they want to use him in Europe for one year and lose him for free or generate the money now.”

Guehi’s Profile Fits Liverpool’s Requirements

Marc Guehi’s suitability for Liverpool is clear. At 23, he boasts Premier League experience, leadership qualities, and ball-playing ability that would align well with Slot’s vision of progressive, front-foot football. As Slot looks to shape his squad in his own image, defenders who can distribute confidently from the back are no longer a luxury, but a requirement.

With Quansah moving on and Konaté yet to renew his deal, Liverpool cannot afford to ignore the importance of succession planning in defence. Guehi, a starter for England at Euro 2024, has proved his reliability at the highest level.

Lynch added:

“There’s a few decisions that they need to make but it does feel like a compromise will be possible.”

That compromise may come in the form of an incentivised deal. While Palace will still want to show strength in the market, Guehi’s contract situation offers Liverpool leverage they might not otherwise have enjoyed.

Uncertainty Around Konaté Adds Pressure

The situation with Ibrahima Konaté is an increasingly relevant subplot. The French defender’s contract runs until 2026, but as Lynch alluded to, there has been no significant movement on a new deal.

With Quansah gone and Konaté possibly entering the final 12 months of his Liverpool career if no extension is agreed, there is real pressure to avoid a repeat of previous missteps in squad management.

Photo: IMAGO

Slot, who has already made a strong impression at Anfield, will want clarity and competition in every position. Guehi could be the kind of move that ensures Liverpool’s backline remains robust for the long haul.

Negotiation Window Could Be Short

Liverpool know this deal won’t drag on indefinitely. If Palace decide they want to cash in, they’ll need to act quickly in the window to find a replacement. Liverpool, similarly, won’t wait forever with pre-season looming and planning already deep into execution.

“We will see how that one progresses, but it’s an interesting name and he’s a good player.”“Liverpool are definitely interested in him so let’s see if it gets done.”

Given the club’s history of moving swiftly for targets when the conditions are right, this feels like one that could accelerate quickly. The interest is real, the need is genuine, and the player fits the profile.

Credit to David Lynch, speaking to Dave Davis for Anfield Index, for offering clear insight into the thinking on both sides of this potential transfer. Guehi might not be a household name for some, but his signature could play a crucial role in maintaining Liverpool’s title-winning momentum under Slot.