Journalist remains positive over Liverpool’s pursuit of Marc Guehi

Credit to Lewis Steele, who spoke to Dave Davis for Anfield Index and provided essential insight into Liverpool’s accelerating pursuit of Marc Guehi. As Arne Slot works through the most turbulent period of his Liverpool tenure so far, the conversation around January recruitment has taken on a sharper tone. Nine defeats in twelve matches have left the champions wobbling, and the loss of Giovanni Leoni to a season ending ACL injury has thinned the squad in a key area. With only Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konate and Joe Gomez available, the need for reinforcements could become unavoidable.

Liverpool had already agreed a £35m fee to sign Guehi in the summer, only for the move to collapse late in the window. That history now shapes the winter narrative and there is a sense that the club may have unfinished business with the Crystal Palace defender.

Guehi’s Quality and the Konate Question

Steele’s assessment captures the prevailing sentiment around Guehi’s suitability for a title calibre squad. His words carry weight.
“I think Liverpool were so close to signing him that I wouldn’t be surprised if there was some sort of an agreement that he will be coming.”
“He has proven that he is one of the best defenders in the Premier League, so whatever happens with Ibou Konate’s future, he would be a good signing.”

Guehi’s performances have positioned him among the league’s most reliable centre backs, combining composure with elite defensive instincts. Slot’s system, built on aggressive line management and bravery in possession, demands defenders who can defend space and progress play with authority. Guehi fits that profile more naturally than most available players in Liverpool’s price bracket.

Yet the situation becomes more layered when considering Konate’s future. His contract position continues to cast a long shadow over Liverpool’s long term planning. Steele outlines the stakes succinctly:
“A lot it depends on Konate’s future because five weeks from now, he is free to sign a pre-contract with anyone.”

January Decision or Summer Gamble

Liverpool now stand at a crossroads. Move for Guehi in January at the £35m level previously agreed, or gamble on waiting until the summer when he could be available for free. In isolation, the financial logic might push towards patience. In context, patience could be costly.

Slot is facing an injury hit season with no margin for error. Depth at centre back has dwindled, form has dipped and momentum must be rebuilt quickly. Guehi is a plug and play option who would strengthen Liverpool immediately, raise the floor of the defence and allow more flexibility in squad rotation.

Strategic Imperatives for Slot’s Champions

With the Premier League title to defend and a squad stretched thin, the decision on Guehi looks increasingly like one that will define Liverpool’s winter. A summer free transfer would be excellent value, but January certainty might prove more valuable than any discount. Liverpool have seen what happens when deals are left to the final hours of a window, and the cost of not acting this time could be measured on the pitch rather than a balance sheet.