Liverpool Plot January Move
Liverpool are once again being linked with a mid season intervention and this time it is centred on England international Marc Guehi. Credit goes to Anfield Watch for the original reporting and the detail they uncovered around renewed interest in the Crystal Palace captain. The idea of Liverpool heading into the winter market feels familiar. As Anfield Watch noted, Liverpool can be pragmatic in January when elite opportunities open up. The captures of Cody Gakpo and Luis Diaz remain prime examples, both arriving ahead of rival clubs and both contributing to a Premier League title.
Anfield Watch highlighted that Liverpool only move when there is real value and reported that the club are preparing a surprise push for Guehi. Their piece referenced a Football Insider claim that Liverpool are primed to make a strong push for the defender. The article also recapped the frustration of the summer window when Liverpool agreed a fee and terms before Crystal Palace pulled the plug. One source reportedly stated that “Guehi only had eyes for Liverpool in the summer”.
Liverpool’s Defensive Planning
Arne Slot and Richard Hughes have been adjusting their long term squad build and defence remains an area that could benefit from another leader. Guehi, who has developed into one of the Premier League’s cleanest and most consistent centre backs, fits that profile. The article pointed out that Liverpool could sign him on a free transfer at the end of the season and that the player could earn a much larger signing on fee as a result. However, Palace may prefer a January sale rather than losing their captain for nothing.
Player Motivation
The key question is whether Guehi would be motivated to force a move in January. Anfield Watch reminded readers that some of England’s biggest clubs and several European sides are tracking him. One insider quoted in the piece suggested that “it is no guarantee he holds the same stance this time around”.
Market Dynamics
Liverpool have avoided short term signings and panic solutions for several seasons. Slot’s team are still evolving, partly because not all summer business was completed. Adding a defender who is both Premier League proven and tactically flexible would provide structure to a squad still settling under Slot. For Palace, the financial logic of cashing in now rather than losing their captain for free could drive negotiations. If Liverpool sense a gap, history shows they are capable of moving quickly.
Our View – Anfield Index Analysis
Supporters will view a potential move for Guehi as a statement that Liverpool remain committed to long term squad strengthening rather than simply reacting to form or injuries. Many fans still feel the sting of the collapsed summer deal, particularly because it appeared to be a perfect match of style, age profile and leadership qualities. With Slot prioritising calm progression from the back, the idea of pairing Guehi with Virgil van Dijk or Ibrahima Konate has obvious appeal.
From a fan perspective, the biggest question revolves around timing. There is excitement at the thought of adding a top level England international in January, but there is also curiosity about whether Liverpool should wait for a free transfer in the summer and allocate funds elsewhere. Fans understand Palace’s position as well. Selling in January makes sense for them, which might push the matter into Liverpool’s hands earlier than expected.
There is also trust in Richard Hughes and the recruitment team. The days of rushed short term deals feel long gone. If Liverpool step in during January, supporters will take it as a sign that the data, scouting and timing all align. Plenty of fans remember how transformational Diaz and Gakpo were when they arrived mid season. If Liverpool believe Guehi can make similar impact on the defensive end, the fanbase will be fully behind the move.
