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Marc Guehi’s Future: Will Liverpool Take the Plunge in January?

The transfer landscape is ever-evolving, and few situations have sparked as much speculation as Marc Guehi’s impending departure from Crystal Palace. With the England international set to leave when his contract expires, Crystal Palace are aware that only Liverpool may take a serious run at him during the January transfer window. According to Sky Sports News, the current feeling around Selhurst Park is that while some of Europe’s top clubs are showing interest, most are only willing to wait until the summer to sign Guehi on a free transfer.

Liverpool’s Interest in Guehi

Liverpool’s interest in Guehi is well-known, with the Reds having made a late push for him in the summer. A £35m deal was on the table, but it fell through on Deadline Day, leaving the club without the defensive reinforcements they desperately needed. The need for Guehi’s signature has only increased following the injury to Giovanni Leoni and uncertainty around Ibrahima Konate’s future. The French centre-back’s contract is set to expire next summer, and his comments about his impending decision during the international break have raised further questions about his future at Anfield.

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Why Guehi Could Be the Answer

Liverpool’s defensive woes have been evident this season. As reported by Sky Sports, only four Premier League clubs have conceded more expected goals (xG) than Liverpool. The team has been vulnerable at the back, with new signing Milos Kerkez struggling to find his feet and the club still searching for a permanent solution at right-back. Konate has been under constant pressure, and with uncertainty surrounding his contract, adding Guehi could bring much-needed stability to Liverpool’s defence.

Competition from Europe’s Giants

Although Liverpool remains the frontrunner for Guehi, they are not the only club in the race. Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, and Barcelona are all thought to be keeping a close eye on the defender, and once January arrives, Guehi will be free to discuss terms with foreign clubs. However, as Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish noted, the club decided to reject a deal in the summer because they could not secure a replacement for Guehi. This could mean that Palace are more open to negotiations in January, knowing the player is leaving regardless.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

From a Liverpool fan’s perspective, the situation surrounding Guehi feels like another chapter in the club’s ongoing search for defensive stability. Guehi has long been a target, and with the recent defensive struggles, it’s clear he could provide the presence that Slot’s side so desperately needs. The defender’s quality and experience make him a natural fit for Liverpool, and securing him in January would be a significant step towards solving the issues at the back.

However, the challenge lies in the fierce competition from other European heavyweights. Real Madrid and Barcelona are long-term admirers of Guehi, and their involvement in any potential deal complicates matters for Liverpool. The club must act swiftly, particularly considering the uncertainty surrounding Konate’s future. A strong move for Guehi would not only bolster the defence but also provide some clarity in a crucial area of the squad.

In the end, it’s difficult to predict exactly how this will unfold. But one thing is clear: Liverpool cannot afford to let Guehi slip away again. The January transfer window could be their last opportunity to secure a top-tier centre-back, and with Guehi available, it’s a chance they must take.