Liverpool are still looking to seal the potential signing of Crystal Palace centre-back Marc Guehi next summer, according to a new transfer claim.
The 24-year-old has enjoyed an impressive rise over the past 12 months or so, going from being a well thought of Premier League player to a key man for England.
Guehi was arguably the Three Lions’ star performer at Euro 2024 earlier in the year, helping Gareth Southgate’s side reach the final, and he was a wanted man in the summer transfer window.
It was Newcastle United who pushed hardest to sign the Englishman, but he ended up staying put at Palace, demanding huge money for him that the Magpies couldn’t justify paying.
Now, according to The Sunday Mirror [via The Liverpool Echo], Liverpool still see Guehi as an option to bring in next summer, as they aim to bolster their defensive options.
Palace are likely to demand around £70m for his services, but the Reds are in the mix to sign him, with the report stating that they are “ready to pounce”.
Our thoughts on Liverpool’s interest in Guehi…
Guehi is an excellent player who could easily thrive at Liverpool, given his quality in possession and all-round impressive defensive game, averaging 4.9 clearances and 2.4 aerial duel wins per game in the Premier League this season.
The fact that the England international is still only 24 suggests that he has other gears to find, too, with Joe Hart saying of him during the Euros:
“Huge shoutout to Marc Guehi. I thought he was exceptional. He really stepped in and was really calm on the ball. I thought Guehi allowed John Stones to play his game. The more Marc plays, the better that [centre-back] partnership will get.”
The one negative that could mean Liverpool look at other centre-back options is Guehi’s price tag, which is a huge amount for a player who is still not hugely experienced at the top level.
For that sort of money, you need to be signing a player in and around the world-class bracket, which the Palace man isn’t currently in.
If the likes of Michael Edwards and Richard Hughes feel Guehi is worth the money, though, and can be a long-term replacement for Virgil van Dijk, they need to be trusted.
