Liverpool could turn to another Crystal Palace star after Marc Guehi – Report | OneFootball

Liverpool’s Defensive Dilemma: Guehi Still Top Priority, but Lacroix Emerges as Genuine Contender

Liverpool’s long-running pursuit of Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi has taken yet another twist, with fresh claims suggesting that another Selhurst Park regular has now entered the conversation.

Football Insider report that former Manchester United and Sunderland chief scout Mick Brown believes the Reds remain committed to reviving a deal for Guehi in 2026, but could pivot towards his defensive partner Maxence Lacroix if progress stalls.

He told Football Insider: “Lacroix is an option Liverpool will look at because he’s been excellent for Palace. All of the top clubs will be keeping an eye on him and whether he’ll be available, because top-level centre-backs aren’t easy to come by at the moment.

“The thing is for Liverpool, as far as I’m told, Guehi is still their top target. Obviously they missed out on him in the summer, but he’s still the best available option and one they absolutely have to make sure they get over the line.

“There’s a lot of dispute over whether or not it will happen with the other club who seem to be ready to make a move for him. It will be very difficult for Liverpool to find a player who is as good as Guehi for that price, so are they then going to make a move for his partner [Lacroix]?

“I’m not so sure Crystal Palace would be open to losing both of them, so it won’t be an easy deal to do, but Liverpool need a centre-back and he will be an option.”

Photo: IMAGO

Friendship or Separation at Selhurst Park?

Liverpool will face a strategic decision in 2026. Do they reignite their £35m pursuit of Guehi and attempt to wrap up a cut-price deal with eight months remaining on his contract, or do they wait for a free transfer in summer? Both routes carry risk, especially with Bayern Munich also circling.

Crystal Palace, aware of the interest, will resist losing both centre-backs in one window. That could force Liverpool to choose between persistence and pragmatism.

Lacroix by the Numbers

Maxence Lacroix may not have generated as many headlines as the Eagles captain, but his defensive output this season has been exceptional.

Decision Time Looming

Liverpool cannot afford to repeat the summer’s disappointment. With Virgil van Dijk ageing gracefully but inevitably, and Ibrahima Konate’s fitness inconsistencies persisting, reinforcements are no longer a long-term plan, they are an urgent requirement.

A choice awaits: persistence with Guehi, opportunism with Lacroix or perhaps a double swoop that Palace cannot possibly sanction.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

Most Liverpool supporters will still want Guehi. He looks and plays like a future captain, and missing out on him in the summer was a bitter pill, especially when the deal seemed agreed before deadline day chaos. Seeing him walk elsewhere would sting in the same way as missing out on Jude Bellingham.

However, fans also know how the club operates. If Palace refuse to negotiate again, Liverpool will not get dragged into a bidding war. That is where Lacroix becomes interesting.

The key question is simple. Would supporters accept Lacroix as the only signing if Guehi becomes impossible? Possibly, but only if Liverpool act decisively. Arne Slot has already proven he can turn efficient players into elite ones. If he wants Lacroix, fans will back it.

But emotionally, if Guehi is there for the taking in 2026, most Reds would rather finish what they started.