Liverpool ‘Ready to Make a Move’ for £40m Defender – Report | OneFootball

Liverpool Primed to Target £40m England International as Defensive Gaps Show

Liverpool could be about to reignite their interest in Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi, with Football Insider reporting that the Reds are “ready to make a move” for the England international before the summer transfer window closes.

The Merseyside club have already invested over £250m into Arne Slot’s squad this summer, yet the need for defensive reinforcements remains glaring. Guehi, 25, has entered the final year of his contract at Selhurst Park and could be prised away for a reported £40m fee.

Guehi Still on Liverpool’s Radar

According to ex-Manchester United and Blackburn chief scout Mick Brown, Liverpool’s hierarchy remain keen on the former Chelsea academy graduate despite heavy speculation around other targets.

Brown told Football Insider: “All of the talk at Liverpool has been about Isak at the moment, but from what I’m told, Marc Guehi is still very much on their radar and I’d expect them to make a move before the end of the window. I think they regard Guehi as just as important as Isak in terms of the benefit to their squad.

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“They’re not totally convinced about [Ibrahima] Konate; he makes too many errors and could be on his way out when his contract runs out next year. They’ve let Jarell Quansah go, and Joe Gomez isn’t going to be the long-term answer at centre-back.

“If they’re going for every trophy available to them, they can’t afford to take chances at the back, and Guehi would represent a very good addition for them. He’d be a top signing and I expect they’ll be ready to make a move at some stage.”

Defensive Depth Concerns Laid Bare

Liverpool’s lack of natural centre-back options was stark during Monday’s pre-season double header against Athletic Bilbao. Andy Robertson and teenager Trey Nyoni were forced into central roles in one game, while Wataru Endo partnered Konate in the other.

For a side aiming to retain the Premier League title, this level of improvisation in defence so close to the start of the season will concern both supporters and the coaching staff. Guehi’s arrival would not only bring stability but also add a player with experience at the highest level, having impressed in England’s run to the Euro 2024 final.

Opportunity the Club Cannot Ignore

Crystal Palace’s £40m valuation for Guehi appears far from excessive given his pedigree and contract situation. Waiting until next summer to potentially sign him on a free would be a gamble Liverpool can ill afford if they are serious about competing on all fronts in 2025-26.

As Brown notes, doubts around Konate’s long-term role should accelerate this pursuit. Sporting director Richard Hughes has built a reputation for smart market moves, and this could be one of the most important before the window shuts.

Liverpool’s defensive recruitment may yet define their campaign. An offer to Palace now could prevent a season of unnecessary risk.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

This report makes perfect sense. Even after such a huge summer of investment, the one glaring hole is at centre-back. Watching pre-season games where midfielders and full-backs are asked to play in central defence just days before the new season is frankly alarming.

Marc Guehi is exactly the type of profile Liverpool need. He is young but already experienced, a leader at the back, and comfortable both in possession and under pressure. £40m in today’s market for an England international in his prime feels like smart business rather than a stretch.

Arne Slot delivered the title in his first season, but going for back-to-back league wins while also chasing silverware in Europe means the squad must be watertight in every position. Defensive lapses or injury crises could be the difference between glory and disappointment.

Many fans will also see this as a statement signing. Beating rivals to Guehi’s signature would show that Liverpool remain proactive, not reactive, in the transfer market.

If Hughes and FSG make this happen before deadline day, it could be the deal that secures Liverpool’s defensive future for years to come and keeps the team firmly on course for another remarkable season.