Liverpool Target Strengthens Case for Role in Slot’s Backline Plans | OneFootball

Guehi to Liverpool: Smart Business or Statement Signing?

On the latest episode of The Daily Red Podcast from Anfield Index, Dave Hendrick dissected Liverpool’s summer transfer strategy with his trademark blunt honesty. Speaking with clarity and precision, Hendrick devoted time to assessing every inch of the squad and made his feelings clear about one name likely on the verge of joining the Reds Marc Guehi.

“It does look like the likelihood is that Marky will be the central defender who arrives,” Hendrick stated. But this wasn’t met with unquestioned applause. The veteran podcaster drew a line in the sand: “That’s a good signing if he’s the third centre-back… whether it’s a good signing if he’s a starter or not is a different debate.”

For Liverpool, fresh off a title-winning campaign under Arne Slot, everything now points to building depth, not just star power. Hendrick pulled no punches: “You’re not finding a club in the Premier League with a better third centre-back than Marc Guehi.”

Strength in Depth and Eyes on the Prize

Liverpool’s focus, according to Hendrick, is unmistakable, depth, quality and ruthless efficiency in the transfer market. “There’s going to be a lot of players sold, but there will be more players arriving,” he said. Guehi’s role in that refresh? Crucial, but not central. Hendrick repeatedly emphasised his belief that Guehi should not walk into the first team.

Photo: IMAGO

With van Dijk still “the best centre-back in the world” and Ibrahima Konaté rated by Hendrick as “the second-best centre-back in the Premier League”, Guehi would be “no arguments about it” the perfect third man. Joe Gomez, still in the mix, makes for a “really good player to have in the squad” but has always battled “injuries”. Guehi would therefore offer a reliable buffer.

Photo: IMAGO

What This Means for Liverpool’s Ambition

If there was any suggestion Liverpool might be winding down after lifting the title, Hendrick made it clear otherwise. “The Reds are Premier League champions and acting like it this summer,” he said in his opening line.

Guehi isn’t a glamorous name. He isn’t a marquee arrival like Florian Wirtz, whom Hendrick described as “a top 10 footballer in the world”. But the podcast paints a picture of a club executing a methodical, intelligent strategy. Guehi would be a solid cog in a machine that aims to keep rolling.

Photo: IMAGO

Slot’s Liverpool aren’t just buying for the bench. They’re buying for control. With Guehi, “you get great athleticism, a good age profile and a player ready to slot in when needed, but not necessarily be the man right away.”

Guehi’s Arrival: What Fans Should Expect

Listeners to The Daily Red will be left with one clear conclusion: Guehi’s move is likely. The podcast stops short of offering certainty, but the tone is decisive. It’s a question of when, not if.

And if he does arrive, don’t expect fanfare. Expect function. Expect cover. Expect quality. Dave Hendrick didn’t shy away from praising the potential value: “As the third centre-back, there can be no arguments about it.”

This is Liverpool in 2025, lean, smart and ruthless in their planning. And Guehi, whether he likes it or not, looks destined to become part of it.