Report: Liverpool Target Premier League Defender as Potential Van Dijk Successor | OneFootball

Liverpool Eye Crystal Palace Star as Van Dijk Heir

Liverpool manager Arne Slot appears to be looking to the future as he prepares for the possible succession of Virgil van Dijk, and Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi is reportedly at the top of the Reds’ wish list. According to Fichajes, Liverpool are “determined” to bring in the 24-year-old as a long-term replacement for their Dutch captain, who has been central to their success over the past six years. The Anfield hierarchy, including sporting directors Michael Edwards and Richard Hughes, are said to have convinced Slot of Guehi’s qualities.

Photo: IMAGO

Van Dijk’s Legacy and the Need for a Successor

Van Dijk, who arrived at Anfield in 2018 for £75 million from Southampton, has been pivotal to Liverpool’s resurgence, securing the Premier League, Champions League, and multiple other honours. But as he approaches the end of his contract this season at 33, Liverpool are wisely looking for potential heirs to the central defender’s throne.

Slot, initially sceptical about Guehi, reportedly changed his mind after examining detailed analytics that underscored the Palace defender’s strengths. Despite Guehi’s age, he has already earned 19 caps for England and proven himself as one of the league’s standout young defenders.

What Liverpool Could Be Willing to Pay for Guehi

Signing Guehi won’t come cheap. The Eagles rejected a package worth up to £75 million (€90 million, $100.6 million) from Newcastle over the summer, suggesting a deal would need to match or exceed Liverpool’s current club record of £85 million (€102 million, $113.4 million), paid for Darwin Nunez. While a 2025 move appears to be on the cards, there is also a possibility of a January bid. However, Crystal Palace are expected to fight hard to retain their star defender during the winter window.

The England international, for his part, has shown respect for his current club, refraining from forcing a move despite Newcastle’s interest. But should Liverpool come knocking, Guehi may have a difficult decision on his hands. The lure of Anfield, combined with the team’s recent resurgence under Slot, could be a compelling proposition.

Alternatives on Liverpool’s Radar

Should a move for Guehi fail to materialise, Liverpool have reportedly earmarked three other potential targets. Juventus’s Gleison Bremer, Sporting Lisbon’s Goncalo Inácio, and Sevilla’s Loïc Badé are all under consideration. However, it’s the Premier League experience that sets Guehi apart as the primary candidate.

According to Fichajes, Liverpool’s interest in Guehi aligns with their strategy to find defenders accustomed to the rigours of the Premier League. Slot and his backroom team view the Palace star as the perfect fit to bolster the defence for the long term.

Comparing Guehi and Van Dijk at 24

For context, Guehi has already made 98 Premier League appearances by the age of 24. In contrast, when Van Dijk was 24 in 2015, he had accumulated experience in the Eredivisie and Scottish Premiership, with 62 and 71 appearances, respectively—competitions that don’t match the Premier League in quality. It speaks volumes about Guehi’s readiness to make an impact at the top level of English football.

Moreover, Guehi’s international prominence surpasses Van Dijk’s achievements at the same age. The Palace defender has earned 19 caps for England, becoming a key player en route to the Euro 2024 final. Van Dijk, on the other hand, had yet to make his international debut at the same point in his career.

If Liverpool do manage to secure Guehi, the parallels with Van Dijk’s journey—arriving at Anfield as a promising defender ready to take the next step—could make him a seamless addition to a side in need of an evolving defensive line.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

The pursuit of Marc Guehi is a wise and strategic move. While Van Dijk has been a colossus at the heart of the Reds’ defence, it’s clear that no player can hold such a pivotal role indefinitely. The club’s commitment to identifying a quality successor is a testament to Slot and his team’s forward-thinking approach.

Guehi’s youth, experience, and poise make him a strong candidate for Anfield. His composure on the ball, strength in one-on-one duels, and ability to read the game have all been impressive at Crystal Palace. And let’s not forget, he’s proven himself on the international stage for England. Such qualities would complement Liverpool’s playing style under Slot, who seems to favour defenders capable of playing out from the back and providing leadership.

However, it’s important to keep in mind the cost and competition for his signature. With Newcastle already attempting to secure the defender and a potential bidding war on the horizon, the deal’s feasibility will depend on Liverpool’s willingness to break the bank. While the club has shown it can flex its financial muscles when necessary (as seen with the pursuit of Darwin Nunez), striking a balance between investment and strategic need will be crucial.

Whether Guehi ends up at Anfield or another option from the shortlist is pursued, it’s reassuring for fans to see the club addressing its long-term defensive future. Van Dijk’s departure, whenever it comes, will leave a gap that must be filled carefully. And if Guehi is the chosen successor, the transition from one defensive giant to a rising star could maintain Liverpool’s solid backline for years to come.