Liverpool’s Defensive Puzzle Intensifies Amid Marc Guehi Debate

Credit to David Lynch who spoke to Dave Davis for Anfield Index for the original interview that shaped this discussion. His insight arrives at a crucial moment for Liverpool, with the Premier League champions navigating one of the most precarious spells of Arne Slot’s tenure. Nine defeats in 12 have dragged the champions into troubled waters and the pressure on the manager has intensified. The centre-back situation, already stretched to breaking point, is now a defining storyline of Liverpool’s season.

Transfer Priority Rising At Centre-back

Giovanni Leoni’s ACL injury and Joe Gomez’s ongoing fitness issues have left Liverpool frighteningly short in defence. Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate are playing every match and the lack of rotation is beginning to show. This is where Marc Guehi re-enters the narrative.

Liverpool had a £35m agreement in place in the summer, only for Crystal Palace to pull the plug late on deadline day. With Guehi now entering the final six months of his contract in January, talk of a revived move has naturally resurfaced. However, Lynch delivered a reality check about how feasible that actually is.

Palace’s Perspective And Europa Ambitions

Lynch provided clarity on what Palace might be thinking heading into the winter window. His words underline why any January move looks far from simple.

“The worry with Guehi is why would Palace do it unless Liverpool offer crazy money.”

“Liverpool aren’t going to go back to what they offered in the summer again when they can sign him for free in the summer.”

“From Crystal Palace’s perspective, they’re having a good season, could win the Europa Conference League and qualify for Europe again, whilst Guehi can stay in the side and look to start in the World Cup.”

Palace have momentum, a strong European campaign, and no sporting incentive to weaken their defence mid season. The only factor that could tempt them would be an outrageous bid, which Liverpool are not prepared to table given the contract timeline.

January Outlook And Slot’s Tightrope

For Liverpool, the situation is delicate. Lynch stressed the scale of the challenge.

“Liverpool’s need is greater than ever, especially with Gomez struggling for fitness, but I really struggle to see them convincing Palace to sell him in January.”

“I struggle to see it getting done.”

Slot is walking a tightrope as he attempts to keep Liverpool competitive while protecting the long term structure of the squad. January will force difficult decisions, especially if results continue to waver and the defensive load on Van Dijk and Konate grows heavier by the week.

Guehi remains a player Liverpool admire and their interest has never disappeared. Yet the factors surrounding a January deal form a complex web. Palace have leverage, Liverpool have urgency, and the timing could not be more unforgiving.

As things stand, Lynch’s assessment feels accurate. Liverpool may need to find another solution mid season or simply attempt to survive until the summer when the Guehi equation becomes far more favourable.