Journalist: Liverpool in ‘pole position’ to sign £35m star in January | OneFootball

Liverpool in ‘Pole Position’ to sign Marc Guehi

Liverpool’s winter priorities have been debated for weeks, but the latest reporting from Sacha Tavolieri for Sky Sports provides the clearest indication yet of where the club’s January focus lies. His line that “Crystal Palace are now convinced that Liverpool are the only club truly positioned to sign Marc Guehi in January” sparks an intriguing angle for a squad that has struggled to find defensive consistency this season.

Rising Value of Guehi

Marc Guehi’s contractual situation places Crystal Palace in a difficult but familiar Premier League position. Tavolieri notes that “the England international defender, who is under contract until the end of the season, will be free to negotiate a pre contract with a foreign club in January”. That single detail accelerates every discussion around his future. Selling now becomes more logical than losing a valuable asset for nothing, especially one considered one of the most reliable stoppers in the division.

At a reported valuation of £35 million, the deal fits into the modern Liverpool strategy. It offers age, upside and immediate starting potential at a price that reflects both ability and contract length. 

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Slot’s Defensive Priorities

Arne Slot’s maiden campaign brought a Premier League title, yet Liverpool’s current season has been defined by inconsistency, injuries and missed assignments in the back line. With the team sitting in the lower half of the table, reinforcement is non negotiable.

Tavolieri’s report states that “Arne Slot would see in Guehi a strategic reinforcement to stabilise a defence often subject to injuries in recent seasons”. Those close to the coaching staff have echoed similar sentiments, with one analyst remarking, “Liverpool have ball players at the back, but they lack availability, and availability wins titles”.

Guehi’s athletic profile, recovery pace and comfort in tight spaces align perfectly with Slot’s structure first philosophy. He can operate wide in build up, defend large spaces and step into midfield, all hallmarks of what Liverpool demand from their central defenders.

Bayern’s Position and Liverpool’s Advantage

Bayern Munich have monitored the situation but are not believed to be acting as quickly. Tavolieri reports that the German champions are “considered less active in the matter”. This presents Liverpool with a rare, unobstructed lane to a top Premier League defender.

Liverpool’s urgency may prove decisive. The club have historically moved fastest when they feel a clear market opening. At a time when January business could redefine the season, this feels like such a moment.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

From a Liverpool supporter’s perspective, this development feels overdue. The defence has looked stretched and uncertain throughout the campaign, and injuries have once again shaped the story of the season. Marc Guehi brings reliability, strength in duels and a composure that Liverpool have been crying out for since the early weeks of the title defence unravelled.

Many fans will read Tavolieri’s report and sense a level of seriousness that has been missing in recent transfer windows. Spending £35 million on a Premier League proven centre back feels like the type of business that sets a tone, particularly with the team sitting 12th and in desperate need of momentum.

Slot’s system absolutely depends on defenders who can defend space, circulate the ball quickly and handle transitions with confidence. Guehi ticks those boxes and, importantly, is rarely unavailable. Supporters have watched the squad grind through repeated injury setbacks, and this potential addition directly addresses that issue.

There is also excitement in beating a club like Bayern Munich to a target. It shows intent, ambition and clarity. If Liverpool can secure this deal early in January, it could lift the mood instantly and give the squad the defensive structure required to chase a top six finish.

For many watching the current campaign unfold, this feels like Liverpool making a grown up decision at the right time.