Liverpool Could be About to Sign England’s ‘Best Player’ from EURO 2024 | OneFootball

Darren Bent Urges Liverpool to Seize Marc Guehi Opportunity

Liverpool’s pursuit of Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi has taken on fresh intrigue after former England striker Darren Bent delivered an emphatic verdict on the defender’s quality. Reports indicate that Arne Slot’s side have opened talks with Palace over a deal worth £30 million up front, with an additional £5 million in performance-related clauses.

With Guehi entering the final year of his contract at Selhurst Park, the transfer window’s final month could prove decisive for both clubs.

Praise from Darren Bent for ‘Top Drawer’ Guehi

Speaking on talkSPORT, Bent expressed his surprise at the reported fee, questioning why such a proven defender could be available for £35 million.

“I’ve said it before, I think he’s England’s best defender. Guehi, I think he’s got everything. I thought he was our best player in [Euro 2024]. He was brilliant, strong, powerful. He could play with the ball.

“He looks like a real leader. I don’t know him personally but he looks like a really good character as well. I think he’s top drawer, I genuinely do, and I’m shocked at that price [£35m].

“The amount of teams that are looking for centre-halves… I think he’s good enough to play for Manchester City, I know they got Ruben Dias and Stones but he’s good enough to mix it with them boys. I think he’s good enough to go to Liverpool, who are after him. He’s good enough to play at Arsenal.”

Such high praise from Bent underscores the growing belief that Guehi could thrive in a side aiming to defend the Premier League title under Slot.

Why Liverpool see Guehi as a Perfect Fit

Last summer, Palace rejected offers in excess of £65 million from Newcastle for Guehi, according to BBC Sport. That Liverpool might secure him for almost half that sum reflects his contract situation rather than any decline in ability.

The 25-year-old played a pivotal role for England in Euro 2024, amassing over 200 senior appearances and leading Palace to FA Cup success in May. His consistency, composure and leadership make him a ready-made option to challenge Ibrahima Konate and Virgil van Dijk for a starting role at Anfield.

By contrast, Liverpool’s incoming signing Giovanni Leoni from Parma is regarded as a long-term project, with only 33 senior games to his name. Guehi would offer immediate reliability and top-level experience.

Potential Impact on Liverpool’s Title Defence

For Guehi, joining Liverpool ahead of a World Cup year could be both an opportunity and a challenge. He would need clarity over his role, moving from being captain at Selhurst Park to competing with one of the Premier League’s most established defensive partnerships.

However, Liverpool’s interest suggests they believe he can not only adapt but also elevate their defensive depth. In the high-intensity environment of a title defence and Champions League campaign, a player with Guehi’s attributes could prove invaluable.

If the deal is completed at the suggested price, it would be a move that aligns with Slot’s ambition to refresh and reinforce his squad with proven quality, while offering Guehi a platform to cement his reputation among the elite.