Lynch: Club ready to wait for green light on centre back signing | OneFootball

Liverpool’s Centre Back Puzzle: Guehi Tops the List

Guehi identified as top centre back priority

On the Media Matters Podcast from Anfield Index, David Lynch confirmed that Liverpool’s first-choice target at centre back remains Marc Guehi. “It is Guehi, it is the one that they want, there’s no doubt about that,” Lynch stated, underlining the club’s persistent focus.

However, Crystal Palace have not budged. “Palace are not playing ball at the moment,” Lynch said. Despite that, there is belief at Anfield that Guehi is gettable. “They do think he’s gettable… if Liverpool didn’t think there was a chance, the story would be over.”

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The 24-year-old England international is considered the ideal profile for Arne Slot’s system. Lynch added, “There is a feeling that if Liverpool go and get Guehi, that’s the centre back situation sorted.”

Recruitment approach shaped by options and injuries

Liverpool’s approach to recruitment remains consistent. They prefer to wait for their first-choice target, rather than rushing alternatives. Lynch made that clear, saying, “They will pivot to someone else only in the instance that they can’t get Guehi.”

Current depth at centre back remains a concern. “They do need to sign one,” Lynch said. The injury record of Joe Gomez and the unreliability of long-term fitness across the current group was flagged as a major issue.

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Still, the club is unlikely to carry five senior options. “I still really struggle to see them doing that,” Lynch said. “It’s just not workable to have five.”

With that in mind, Liverpool are expected to reduce numbers before any further additions. Lynch explained.

Tactical flexibility influencing squad planning

Both Lynch and Dave Davis acknowledged the influence of Arne Slot’s methods on squad construction. Davis pointed out that Slot “likes his full-backs to tuck in” and is “happy to play with a back three when needed.” That philosophy impacts the types of players Liverpool are targeting.

Even so, depth must be managed. Lynch cautioned that with only four centre backs, and frequent injuries in past seasons, the risk remains. “It’s not just about being healthy in August,” he said. “It’s about what happens in December and January.”

As such, players like Wataru Endo and Ryan Gravenberch could cover in emergency situations. But they are not considered part of the primary defensive rotation. “They would do it, but it wouldn’t be ideal,” Lynch said plainly.

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Market dynamics dictate next move

Liverpool’s pursuit of Guehi is affected not just by their own needs, but by Crystal Palace’s ability to replace him. Lynch noted, “They need to get someone in before they can move him out.” That condition has been a familiar barrier in other transfer dealings this summer.

Davis highlighted the broader point. “A lot of clubs are doing that now,” he said, “not letting one out unless another is through the door.”

Liverpool’s approach has been to stand firm. “They’re happy to be patient,” Lynch said. “They’ll just wait to see if something changes.” It is a strategy that has worked in the past, though it carries risk with the season fast approaching.

As it stands, Liverpool’s ideal scenario is clear. Guehi remains the primary target, and the rest hinges on Crystal Palace. Until then, the Reds are watching and waiting.