Why Liverpool’s pursuit of Marc Guehi makes perfect sense | OneFootball

Liverpool’s interest in Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi may not be the flashiest storyline of this summer’s transfer window, but it could prove to be one of the smartest moves the club makes under Arne Slot.

According to The Telegraph, Liverpooll will table a significant offer for the England international this summer. The reigning champions are set for a €40 million windfall from their impending sale of Jarell Quansah to Bayer Leverkusen.

With Virgil Van Dijk entering the twilight of his prime and Ibrahima Konate still prone to injuries, Guehi brings depth to Liverpool’s backline as well as a genuine partnership option.

Guehi is a full England international and has quietly become one of the Premier League’s most consistent centre-backs. He captained Crystal Palace to FA Cup glory last season and was a solid performer for his nation at Euro 2024.

The 24-year-old doesn’t grab headlines with spectacular tackles or flashy moments, but what he brings is calmness, control and an ability to read the game.

Guehi’s 2024–25 season numbers further underline his immense quality. He averaged a combined 2.6 tackles and interceptions per game, 0.1 more than Van Dijk’s tally of 2.5 and 0.8 more than Konate, who managed 1.8 tackles and interceptions per game.

Given his height disadvantage when compared to Van Dijk and Konate, Guehi’s aerial numbers fall well short, as he won 2.0 duels per game last season at a 54% success rate. For context, Van Dijk won 3.2 duels per game at a stunning 72%, while Konate won 2.4 duels per game at 71%.

Guehi is the superior of the three defenders in terms of ground duels, winning 2.9 per game at a 63% success rate, clear of Van Dijk (1.5 per game at 62%) and Konate (2.0 at 61%).

Given he currently plays in a team that sees significantly less of the ball compared to Liverpool, Guehi’s 43.1 accurate passes per game last season are 12.2 fewer than Konate’s (55.3) and a whopping 29.3 less than Van Dijk’s (72.4).

Nonetheless, he created the joint most big chances (five) of all Premier League centre-backs alongside James Tarkowski and Trevoh Chalobah. Guehi was also in the top 10 for accurate long balls per game (3.3), expected assists (2.01) and direct goal contributions (five).

At a reported £60 million, the price may feel steep, but in today’s market, a homegrown centre-back with Guehi’s level of Premier League know-how and leadership experience is rare.