Journalist: Liverpool have a ‘really good chance’ of signing £35m defender | OneFootball

Liverpool’s centre-back planning remains active

Liverpool’s long-standing interest in Marc Guehi has moved back into focus as January approaches, with fresh reporting from Lewis Steele indicating that Anfield remains a viable destination for the Crystal Palace captain. While no deal is described as imminent, the sense from those close to the situation is that Liverpool’s defensive planning has never fully moved on from the England international.

Guehi was heavily discussed during the summer window, only for Palace to resist overtures amid concerns about squad balance and timing. That stance has not changed dramatically, but context has. Guehi’s contract situation, Liverpool’s evolving defensive needs under Arne Slot, and the club’s broader strategy around value and timing have combined to keep the conversation alive.

Those familiar with Liverpool’s thinking believe the club see Guehi as a player who fits both the tactical profile and the age bracket they continue to prioritise. At 25, he offers Premier League experience, leadership credentials, and resale security — qualities Liverpool weigh heavily when considering significant defensive investment.

Lewis Steele outlines January versus summer scenarios

Speaking on Daily Mail Football, Lewis Steele made clear that Liverpool still believe a deal is possible, even if the precise timing remains open-ended. The central question is whether Palace would sanction a January sale for a fee or hold firm and risk losing Guehi later on more favourable terms for the player.

From Liverpool’s perspective, the appeal of January lies in certainty. Defensive depth becomes increasingly important as domestic and European commitments intensify, and the club are conscious of avoiding short-term fixes that do not align with longer-term planning. However, they are equally aware of market dynamics and will not overextend financially if Palace’s valuation remains prohibitive.

Steele’s reporting suggests Liverpool are comfortable playing a longer game if required. Allowing the season to run its course would not necessarily weaken their position, particularly if Guehi’s representatives continue to view Liverpool as a preferred destination. That patience has been a defining feature of the club’s recruitment model in recent years.

Marc Guehi’s appeal within Liverpool’s structure

Guehi’s profile explains why Liverpool have remained attentive. He is durable, tactically adaptable, and comfortable operating in systems that demand composure in possession. His leadership at Palace, where he has worn the armband and guided a relatively young squad, is also noted internally.

Liverpool’s coaching staff value centre-backs who can defend space, manage transitions, and maintain concentration across long spells without the ball. Guehi’s Premier League track record suggests he is capable in those areas, while his experience at international level adds another layer of assurance.

There is also an appreciation of his personality and professionalism, factors that increasingly influence Liverpool’s recruitment decisions. Sources describe him as calm, diligent, and well-regarded within dressing rooms — attributes that matter when integrating players into a squad competing across multiple fronts.

Crystal Palace stance and Liverpool’s next steps

Palace, under Oliver Glasner, continue to stress the importance of squad stability. Any decision on Guehi will be shaped by their own ambitions and by the availability of suitable replacements. That reality complicates January discussions, when the market is tighter and risk tolerance is lower.

Liverpool are aware of those constraints and are unlikely to push aggressively unless conditions shift. Instead, dialogue is expected to continue in the background, with all parties monitoring developments as the window nears. Should Palace soften their position, Liverpool are well placed to act quickly.

For now, the picture is one of controlled interest rather than urgency. Guehi remains on Liverpool’s list, Lewis Steele’s reporting reinforces that stance, and the coming weeks will determine whether January offers an opening or merely extends a story that has already spanned multiple windows.