Liverpool’s Defensive Dilemma: Should They Reignite Interest in Marc Guehi?
Liverpool’s start to the season under Arne Slot could hardly have been more memorable. Winning the Premier League title in his debut campaign has set an ambitious tone, yet the recent run of games has offered a sobering reminder that the hard work is far from done. A 2-1 defeat to Crystal Palace on Saturday, in which Marc Guehi excelled while Ibrahima Konate struggled, highlighted vulnerabilities in the heart of Liverpool’s defence.
The timing could hardly be worse. Giovanni Leoni’s serious ACL injury in the 2-1 Carabao Cup win over Southampton has left Liverpool with just three senior centre-back options. Given the congested fixture list and the demands of multiple competitions, this is an unenviable position for Slot and his staff.
David Lynch, speaking to Dave Davis for Anfield Index, explored Liverpool’s potential January approach to their centre-back situation. The conversation was candid and offered valuable insight into how the club may navigate the next transfer window.
“I do slightly wonder whether Liverpool are being that firm on their stance.”
“With the Leoni injury, maybe it will kind of just change things a little bit and over time they’ll think that it will be worth us having that extra option in there.”
“It wouldn’t surprise you at all if they just keep going with the three options they have at the moment, because it’s very Liverpool to do that.”
“But also, the summer window was nothing like what we’ve seen before so maybe the approach has changed a bit.”
“The decisive factor here could be whether Crystal Palace have a number that they will do business at. For them, is £20m worth it over potentially winning the Europa Conference League?”
“Personally, I don’t want to rule anything out just yet and I would love to see him signed in January but equally I don’t think Konate is going to have a poor season and I’m still convinced he’s a really good player.”
“I’m not quite fully ruling it out yet, so we will see.”
Evaluating Guehi’s Impact
Liverpool’s interest in Guehi dates back to the summer when a £35m deal fell through on deadline day. That collapsed move may yet return to centre stage, especially given Guehi’s outstanding display against the Reds at Selhurst Park. With only six months left on his contract come January, Palace will have a decision to make: cash in or risk losing a key defender for free next summer.
For Liverpool, Guehi offers a blend of athleticism, composure and positional discipline that could complement Virgil van Dijk’s leadership and ease the burden on Konate. His performance against Liverpool on Saturday only reinforced the sense that he could thrive at a top club.
Weighing Risk and Reward
Lynch’s observations point to a club that is historically cautious in January. While the Leoni injury creates a strong argument for action, Liverpool’s hierarchy may be reluctant to rush into a deal unless Palace’s valuation is compelling.
“The decisive factor here could be whether Crystal Palace have a number that they will do business at.”
This pragmatic stance aligns with Liverpool’s tradition of calculated moves rather than short-term fixes. The question for Slot is whether the current trio of centre-backs can sustain a title defence and European ambitions without reinforcements.
Slot’s Challenge in Maintaining Momentum
Arne Slot’s tactical acumen has already been proven by delivering the league title in his first season. Yet the Premier League is relentless, and opponents will continue to target Liverpool’s defensive vulnerabilities. Konate remains highly rated, as Lynch emphasised, but the combination of injury risk and the demands of top-level football could stretch the squad thin.
A January signing like Guehi would send a strong message about Liverpool’s intent to build on their domestic triumph. It would also provide vital depth during a period where momentum could define the remainder of their campaign.
