Liverpool move ahead in Transfer race as Tottenham face defensive dilemma | OneFootball

Tottenham, Guehi and the Future of Son: Transfer Uncertainty Clouds Summer Plans

Guehi and Defensive Dilemmas at Spurs

Tottenham Hotspur’s interest in Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi is not new, but the summer has reignited the debate around their central defence. Despite already boasting a strong core of Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven, Kevin Danso and Radu Dragusin, Spurs continue to circle Guehi, who is entering the final year of his contract at Selhurst Park. Their winter bid for the England international was rebuffed by Palace, but as the new season draws near, the North London club are yet to rule out returning with another offer.

“Liverpool have since registered an interest in Guehi,” The Telegraph reported, “and remain the favourites to sign the England international if he leaves Palace this summer.” That interest could prove pivotal, with Arne Slot seeking reinforcements at Anfield and Guehi ticking boxes in terms of Premier League experience, composure on the ball and tactical maturity.

Tottenham’s pursuit, meanwhile, remains puzzling. Six centre-backs, including Ben Davies and Archie Gray as utility options, already provide depth. Yet the club’s activity in the market hints at unease behind the scenes.

Romero Uncertainty Lingers

Cristian Romero is the name that lingers beneath the surface. Though publicly committed, the Argentine has never shied away from voicing long-term aspirations. “It is not clear whether interest in Guehi and Zabarnyi relates to Romero, who has been pursued in public by Atletico Madrid and has previously suggested he would like to play in Spain one day,” noted the Telegraph.

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Spurs are seemingly caught in a crossroads. Are they proactively future-proofing ahead of Romero’s potential departure, or simply ensuring defensive stability in a demanding Premier League campaign? Their checks on Bournemouth’s Illia Zabarnyi, who is also attracting interest from Paris St-Germain, add weight to the former.

Tottenham are known for tight financial operations and caution in the market, yet defensive reinforcements feel like a safeguard rather than a necessity.

Commercial Commitments and the Son Situation

The transfer conundrum doesn’t end at the back. Son Heung-min’s future remains a major subplot of Tottenham’s summer. The Telegraph revealed the existence of a “key player clause” tied to Spurs’ tour of South Korea, a clause that could significantly impact the club’s finances and Son’s immediate availability.

“Tottenham would miss out on as much as 75 per cent of their fee for playing in Seoul if Son is not part of the touring squad,” the report said. Even travelling but not featuring in the match against Newcastle United would halve the fee. Unsurprisingly, Son is set to travel and play, barring injury, with thousands of Korean fans and commercial partners hinging on his presence.

The reality is stark. As one source told the Telegraph, “the ‘key player clause’ meant that it was virtually impossible for Tottenham to even consider selling Son before the tour.” That commercial weight casts a long shadow over footballing decisions. Son’s short-term future may be clear, but long-term? Less so.

Frank’s Calculated Caution

Head coach Thomas Frank, brought in to usher a new chapter at Tottenham, has walked a fine line in public statements. Asked about Son’s status, he offered little certainty. “Right now I have a player (Son) that is fully committed and training well… If someone wants to leave at a certain stage, then there can be something there. But the club will always decide in the end.”

He was similarly cautious when questioned about avoiding another Harry Kane-style exit on the eve of the season. “Yeah. First and foremost, he’s here now. I’m not worried too much about it. Let’s take that five or six weeks down the line.”

It all adds to the sense of volatility around Spurs this summer. Commercial obligations, uncertain star futures, and recruitment choices that raise as many questions as they answer.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

This is the kind of market opportunity Liverpool should pounce on. Marc Guehi is everything a modern centre-back should be: composed, quick, aerially competent and calm under pressure. While Tottenham dawdle over internal contingencies and Romero’s mood swings, Liverpool could be sharp enough to close the deal.

Guehi would fit seamlessly into Arne Slot’s system, bringing Premier League experience and international pedigree without the price tag of an overseas gamble. His development at Palace has been impressive, and with one year left on his deal, Palace might be willing to negotiate rather than risk losing him for less next summer.

From a fan perspective, the idea of pairing Guehi with Virgil van Dijk or Ibrahima Konaté is exciting. It also future-proofs the defence as van Dijk enters the latter part of his Liverpool career. Whether Spurs act or not, Liverpool fans should hope Michael Edwards and Richard Hughes are watching this unfold with intent.

Guehi in red at Anfield? That could be the smartest signing of the summer.