‘Kick in the teeth’: Danny Murphy says Liverpool made a big blunder by not signing Marc Guehi | OneFootball

Former Liverpool star Danny Murphy believes the club made a big blunder by not signing Marc Guehi ahead of Manchester City during the winter transfer window.

The Merseyside giants were on the cusp of landing the England international from Crystal Palace last summer, but the deal collapsed on transfer deadline day.

Guehi continued to be linked with the club, but they did not revive their interest in January. Man City capitalised to secure his services.

They signed him for £20 million with his contract expiring next summer. Guehi is earning a significant salary at Man City, but Murphy feels the move is a ‘real blow’ and a ‘kick in the teeth’ for Liverpool.

Speaking to BestBettingSites UK, he said: “I think it was a blow, a real blow.

“When you look at it, okay, the wages are high, granted, but the fee for a player of that quality, that experience, that calmness, speed and athleticism.

“Someone very well versed in Premier League football, an international, a captain for his club – he’s a leader. So it’s a big miss.

“And it’s one of your rivals as well. It probably wouldn’t be so frustrating for Liverpool supporters if he’d gone abroad – that would be more understandable, maybe a lifestyle choice.

“But to go to Manchester City is a kick in the teeth, especially as Liverpool are so reliant on Konate and Van Dijk, without the real back-up needed to sustain a challenge for the big trophies.”

Murphy added that Liverpool could still be in the transfer market for a new centre-back.

“They made an error,” Murphy added. “And although the window’s closing rapidly, I still expect them to be looking to bring someone in, whether on loan or otherwise.

“They might not be able to get the quality they want, but I’d be amazed if they’re not looking to strengthen in that area.”

Liverpool should have signed Guehi this winter

Guehi has established himself as one of the best centre-backs in the Premier League. The 25-year-old underwent a medical with Liverpool last summer before Palace changed their transfer stance.

Many people anticipated the Reds to revive their pursuit at the start of the year, but a deal did not materialise.

It could prove costly for the club during the back end of the season. Joe Gomez recently came into the team alongside Virgil van Dijk in central defence, but he picked up an injury.

Ibrahima Konate is currently out due to family bereavement, but he should join the squad soon.

Konate and Van Dijk have been the mainstays in central defence, but the latter has shown signs of regression. The Dutchman made an error which contributed to Bournemouth’s opener last weekend.

He was also responsible for the second Cherries goal after failing to play the offside trap. It is clear that the Reds need to freshen up their central defence. Guehi would have been a welcome signing.

Liverpool may have to invest in two central defenders in the summer, considering Konate has not committed to a new deal. He could walk away on a free transfer when his contract expires in June.

Giovanni Leoni is likely to return from a serious knee injury next season, but he faces a long road to complete recovery. His workload will be carefully managed on his comeback.