Walcott urges Liverpool to strengthen defence before transfer deadline | OneFootball

Walcott Urges Liverpool to Move for Guehi Amid Defensive Concerns

Liverpool’s summer rebuild has carried a constant sense of urgency, and with the transfer window entering its final stretch, the pressure on Arne Slot to strengthen his squad is clear. Now over a year into his reign, the Dutchman has restored much of the club’s competitive edge, but questions remain about whether his side are fully equipped to retain their Premier League crown.

Defensive doubts after Bournemouth clash

The opening-day win against Bournemouth highlighted Liverpool’s vulnerabilities at the back. For all their attacking fluency under Slot, the defence looked worryingly exposed to counter-attacks. Ibrahima Konaté struggled to impose himself, but it was Virgil van Dijk who drew the sharpest criticism.

Former Arsenal forward Theo Walcott suggested that Van Dijk is no longer the immovable force he once was. Speaking on the It’s Called Soccer podcast, he explained:

“For me he’s always been a player that in those one v one situations you’d always put your money on him no problem at all. But since that knee injury he’s had as well, I’ve been there myself so I know, you’re always going to lose a big fraction of that pace, you really will.”

Walcott’s verdict was straightforward: Liverpool must act swiftly and bring in Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi before the window closes.

Guehi seen as long-term successor

For Walcott, the £40m-rated England international represents both immediate reinforcement and future planning.

“I think they are going to need to dip into the market, someone like Guehi who is a bit younger, he’s got the pace as well, and I think he can take over from van Dijk in time, but they need to get him in sooner rather than later.”

Liverpool’s recruitment team may see Giovanni Leoni as the long-term heir to Van Dijk, but Guehi’s profile makes him a more urgent solution. With Konaté’s ongoing contract uncertainty, Slot could benefit from another centre-back to steady his back line.

Financial dilemma around Guehi deal

Crystal Palace are holding out for around £40m, but could be forced into a compromise closer to £35m. Liverpool, always cautious in negotiations, would prefer a figure nearer £30m. With just a year left on Guehi’s contract and no sign of renewal, Palace’s leverage is fading.

For Slot, the dilemma is simple: wait and risk being left short, or invest now in a defender who could help secure Liverpool’s ambitions on multiple fronts. Delay may prove more costly than decisive action.