Journalist Confirms Liverpool’s Interest in Signing £40m Star | OneFootball

Liverpool Eyeing Guehi as Next Defensive Anchor Amid Quansah Exit

Liverpool are continuing their methodical rebuild under Arne Slot by exploring the market for a new central defender, with Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi emerging as a serious candidate. As reported by Lewis Steele, speaking on Anfield Index with Dave Davis, the 24-year-old centre-back is firmly on the Reds’ radar, but a move is far from imminent, at least for now.

Guehi a Leading Option but Not the Only One

Guehi’s name is not new to Liverpool’s recruitment team. “Liverpool aren’t completely all-in on him at this stage but that could change very quickly,” said Steele. That subtle caveat speaks volumes about the club’s evolving transfer strategy. Under Slot, Liverpool have shown a willingness to act decisively when the conditions align, and Guehi’s contract situation, he has just one year remaining and could be available for around £40m, is starting to draw attention at Kirkby.

“They were interested in him last summer but maybe they noticed his contract situation,” Steele added, suggesting the opportunity is now more economically appealing. Guehi would not arrive as a panic buy or a developmental project. Instead, he would be viewed as a ready-made option, capable of playing immediately and contributing to a title-defending campaign.

“He’s a very good player. Palace fans absolutely adore him. He’s their leader, their captain and he won them the FA Cup,” said Steele. His character and leadership are precisely the type of traits that Liverpool’s dressing room crave.

Defensive Overhaul Signals Strategic Planning

Slot’s first summer window is already showing aggressive movement. Jeremie Frimpong has joined from Bayer Leverkusen to succeed Trent Alexander-Arnold at right-back, while Milos Kerkez is poised to arrive at left-back. In midfield, Liverpool shattered their transfer record to secure Florian Wirtz for £113 million.

The Guehi links, however, mark a potentially critical next step in the spine of Slot’s Liverpool 2.0. With Joe Gomez and Ibrahima Konaté both facing uncertain long-term futures, though neither is expected to leave this summer, bringing in another versatile and composed centre-back fits the puzzle. “I don’t think that Guehi is the only centre-back they are looking at. I just think that he is one of the options,” Steele clarified.

Photo: IMAGO

That careful wording reinforces the reality of modern recruitment. Liverpool are not desperate, but rather deliberate. They recognise value, timing and character, and Guehi ticks all three boxes.

England Role Increases Guehi’s Appeal

There’s another reason Liverpool’s interest may accelerate. Guehi is expected to start for England at the World Cup next summer, which could exponentially raise his profile and price. “He has all of the modern centre-back traits that you would want and he is set to start for England in the World Cup next summer,” said Steele.

That looming tournament could turn a £30 million opportunity into a £60 million battle. Timing, as ever, will be everything. “If he is available at that cut-price deal with him only having one year left on his deal, then Liverpool would step it up,” Steele emphasised. In short, it may be now or never.

Slot’s Summer Vision Taking Shape

There’s a clear sense that Liverpool’s business is calculated and holistic. They have not only replaced key full-backs but are also layering depth and leadership across all lines. With Guehi, they would be acquiring a Premier League-proven defender, a national team starter and a dressing room leader — all before his prime years.

“It would make sense if they signed him, but he isn’t the only option,” Steele concluded, offering a fitting summary of the current stance. Liverpool might not yet be all-in on Guehi, but they are standing close to the table, chips in hand, waiting for the right moment to play.