Liverpool ‘Still in the Race’ to Sign £40m Defender This Summer – Journalist | OneFootball

Liverpool’s Centre-Back Conundrum: Is Marc Guehi the Right Answer?

As the summer transfer window continues to unfold, Liverpool’s defensive situation has taken centre stage. With Jarell Quansah departing for Bayer Leverkusen in a £35 million deal, the club is now left with just three senior centre-backs: Virgil van Dijk, Ibou Konate and Joe Gomez. That reality places immense pressure on the recruitment team to act wisely and decisively.

Arne Slot, fresh off a historic Premier League-winning debut season, is unlikely to accept going into a campaign with such limited depth in defence. There’s a Premier League title to defend and Champions League ambitions to meet. Reinforcements are not optional, they are essential.

Why Guehi Remains a Viable Option

Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi has long been admired by Liverpool and, according to Lewis Steele for Anfield Index, the interest remains live. Steele said, “I wouldn’t completely rule out Guehi. I think that one is definitely still a viable option.”

Palace’s valuation has proven a stumbling block, with the London club reportedly holding firm on a hefty fee in the region of £40million. However, Steele offers some insight into Liverpool’s potential strategy. “Crystal Palace just want too much at the moment,” he said, “but I wonder if as August goes on and they realise that they will never get money for that player again, then they might budge a bit.”

It is a shrewd observation. Guehi is under contract for just one more year, but the closer we move to deadline day, the more the dynamics shift in Liverpool’s favour. The club has already shown under Michael Edwards and Richard Hughes that patience can be just as potent a weapon as pounds.

Waiting Game or Risky Gamble?

“I think, reading between the lines, that could be what is happening. Liverpool might just be waiting to see if they will lower their price tag.” This line from Steele encapsulates a crucial point. Liverpool are not out of the race, but they are playing the long game.

Still, there’s a fine line between strategy and stalling. With no obvious cover beyond the starting trio, a failure to act could leave the Reds exposed should injuries strike. While Guehi is not a world-beater, he brings Premier League experience, composure on the ball and could be moulded into something greater under Slot’s guidance.

What Comes Next for Liverpool?

Whether Palace lower their asking price or not, Liverpool must ensure they do not enter September scrambling. If not Guehi, then someone else must arrive. But as things stand, Guehi seems the most viable domestic target.

Steele also said: “I don’t think they will move if Palace don’t lower that price tag, but if they do then Liverpool are definitely in the race.” That race may yet be won by Liverpool, but time is ticking, and the stakes could not be higher.