Report: Premier League rival “refusing to give up” on Liverpool target | OneFootball

Liverpool’s Defensive Plans in Jeopardy as Guehi Pursuit Faces Newcastle Interference

With Liverpool tying down Virgil van Dijk to a new two-year contract, fans can breathe a sigh of relief knowing their captain and defensive stalwart remains committed. However, beyond the Dutchman, things look far less secure.

Ibrahima Konaté’s contract runs until 2026, but reports from Spain suggest the Frenchman is keen on a move to Real Madrid once his current deal expires. That has understandably raised alarm bells within the Anfield hierarchy.

“There is a desire to secure long-term target Guehi in the remainder of the summer transfer window,” a GiveMeSport report noted, highlighting that Newcastle are pushing hard to snatch the Crystal Palace man. Liverpool, then, find themselves at a crossroads.

Guehi’s Contract Situation Sparks Transfer Scramble

Marc Guehi has been repeatedly linked with a move to Liverpool this summer, with the 24-year-old England international considered a strong candidate to bolster the backline. Like Konaté, his deal also runs out in 2026, putting Palace in a vulnerable position.

“Newcastle are refusing to give up on striking a deal for Guehi,” GiveMeSport reported, underlining just how serious the Magpies are. With Eddie Howe keen to land the centre-back, Liverpool may need to act fast if they truly consider Guehi a priority.

Tottenham had a £70m+ bid rejected for Guehi in January, but with just a year left on his deal, Palace are unlikely to hold out for the same fee. Still, they’ll be reluctant to let him go without a fair return, especially to a domestic rival.

Liverpool’s Centre-Back Conundrum Grows Urgent

While Liverpool have been proactive in some areas of the transfer market, this defensive situation now demands urgent attention. Konaté’s potential departure, either now or in 2026, creates a pressing need for reinforcements – not just for depth, but to ensure continuity at the back.

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Guehi’s combination of Premier League experience, leadership at Palace, and his international pedigree make him an ideal fit. At 24, he ticks the boxes for both the present and future. The only complication is competition – and Newcastle are not backing down.

Crystal Palace Face Decision Time

With no new contract for Guehi on the horizon, Palace must decide whether to sell now or risk losing him on a free. Newcastle’s renewed interest could force Liverpool to accelerate their plans or risk missing out on a priority target altogether.

Liverpool have stability in Van Dijk, but if Konaté truly has eyes on Madrid, then reinforcements this summer are not optional – they’re essential.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

From a Liverpool supporter’s perspective, the Guehi situation should raise significant concern. Yes, Van Dijk’s extension is great news, but depending solely on a 34-year-old, whose peak years are arguably behind him, isn’t viable for a side looking to challenge on all fronts. If Konaté genuinely wants a Real Madrid move in 2026, that leaves Liverpool in a vulnerable position at centre-back – and time is of the essence.

Marc Guehi represents more than a signing. He’s the next-generation leader Liverpool could mould. At 24, with Premier League and international experience, he’s a natural successor to Van Dijk’s throne. But the fact that Newcastle are “refusing to give up” on the deal, as GiveMeSport reports, should worry fans. Liverpool’s reluctance to pull the trigger could cost them, just as it has in the past with other key targets.

Richard Hughes and Arne Slot must show intent. Guehi is a realistic, available, and Premier League-proven option. If Liverpool miss out to a direct rival like Newcastle, it sends the wrong message. With top-four competition heating up, and the post-Klopp era demanding strong foundations, the defence needs reinforcing now – not in a year’s time when it could already be too late.