Liverpool target Crystal Palace captain amid summer exit talks | OneFootball

Liverpool Weigh Up Guehi Move Amid Quansah and Konaté Uncertainty

Guehi emerges as defensive option

Liverpool have entered the conversation for Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi as the club assesses its defensive strategy ahead of a potentially turbulent window. According to the Daily Mail, the Reds are now weighing up a possible move for Guehi, with Jarell Quansah attracting serious interest from Bundesliga’s Bayer Leverkusen.

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Quansah, who enjoyed a breakout campaign during Jürgen Klopp’s final season, has struggled to maintain that momentum under new manager Arne Slot. With Leverkusen seeking to replace Bayern-bound Jonathan Tah, the 21-year-old centre-back has become a key target. The German side’s healthy relationship with Liverpool, strengthened by recent deals involving Jeremie Frimpong and Florian Wirtz, could play a role in facilitating a transfer.

Contract situations shift market dynamics

Guehi, who was a regular in Gareth Southgate’s England set-up, is entering the final year of his contract at Selhurst Park. That timing significantly reduces Palace’s leverage in negotiations. Last summer, the south London club rejected multiple offers from Newcastle United and were demanding upwards of £65 million for their captain. This time around, the fee could be more negotiable, although still substantial.

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Crystal Palace are actively working on a deal to sign Sporting Lisbon’s Ousmane Diomande for around £40 million, a player Liverpool have previously scouted. If that deal progresses, it would further open the door for Guehi’s exit.

Konaté and Gomez add to uncertainty

Liverpool’s defensive planning does not end with Quansah. Ibrahima Konaté is heading into the final year of his contract, and while talks over an extension are ongoing, Real Madrid are monitoring the situation.

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Slot is said to value Joe Gomez highly for his leadership and versatility, but last season’s injuries and prior interest from other clubs leave his future equally uncertain.

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Despite speculation, the Daily Mail reports that Liverpool are not actively encouraging either Gomez or Quansah to leave. However, the club appears to be preparing for all scenarios.

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Marc Guehi is an interesting profile. He’s composed, Premier League-proven and fits the club’s current model: young, tactically mature, and homegrown. But would he be a straight upgrade on Quansah, who showed real promise last year? It feels more like a hedge than a leap forward.

The idea of selling Quansah to Leverkusen to preserve goodwill after Wirtz and Frimpong deals will concern supporters. Favour-trading in the modern game should never come at the expense of long-term squad building. Meanwhile, if Konaté’s future is in question, the club’s entire defensive foundation could be in flux, and relying on Joe Gomez staying fit feels like a gamble.

There’s logic in targeting Guehi, but fans may prefer to see Liverpool hold their ground on Quansah and reward his development, not move him on to keep the peace in transfer politics.