Marc Guehi could be on the move this January, with Liverpool now believing the Crystal Palace defender may be available for less than the £35 million figure discussed last summer.
Liverpool’s need to strengthen defensively has grown after Conor Bradley was forced off during the goalless draw with Arsenal on Thursday night. The right back is feared to have suffered a serious knee or ankle injury, which would add to Arne Slot’s concerns at the back.
If Bradley faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines, he would join Giovanni Leoni among the long term absentees. That scenario would likely see Joe Gomez used more frequently at right back, leaving Liverpool short of options in central defence and increasing the urgency to bring in cover.
According to Sky Sports, Crystal Palace are braced for an approach from Liverpool this month and are prepared to negotiate at a figure below the £35 million deal that was agreed in September. That proposed transfer, which also included a sell on clause, collapsed late on deadline day when Palace failed to line up a replacement.
At the time, Liverpool were expected to wait until the summer, when Guehi would be available on a free transfer. However, Bradley’s injury concerns, combined with growing interest from Manchester City, Arsenal and Bayern Munich, could prompt a change of plan.
While Palace are yet to receive a formal bid and insist no final decision has been taken on Guehi’s future, the club would still aim to secure the best possible return if talks progress.
Why Guehi makes sense for Liverpool
Guehi would offer both immediate help and long term value for Liverpool. Although primarily a centre back, he is comfortable filling in at right back or even in a holding midfield role when required.
At 25, he combines experience with room to grow and is widely viewed as a potential successor to Virgil van Dijk as a leader in defence. With uncertainty surrounding Ibrahima Konate’s long term future, his arrival could help future proof Liverpool’s back line.
Any January move would likely depend on assurances over regular minutes, particularly with a major international tournament approaching this summer. Given Liverpool’s current defensive issues, Slot would be in a strong position to offer Guehi a key role straight away.