Liverpool Lead Race for Premier League Star with £200m Summer Spend Nearing Completion | OneFootball

Liverpool Push for Marc Guehi as Summer Spending Continues

Defensive reshuffle in full swing

Liverpool’s transfer strategy this summer has been both deliberate and assertive. According to The Mirror, “Liverpool’s summer transfer spending is set to pass the £200m mark this summer and the club are now turning their attention to Crystal Palace centre-back Marc Guehi.” In what is rapidly becoming one of the most ambitious summer windows in recent memory, the Reds appear focused on securing depth and future-proofing critical areas, not least, the heart of their defence.

The pursuit of Guehi comes at a crucial juncture. With Jarell Quansah close to sealing a move to Bayer Leverkusen, Liverpool’s need for a ready-made centre-back option has sharpened. Slot appears keen to reinforce a defensive line that has at times lacked consistency in terms of availability, even as Virgil van Dijk continues to anchor the backline.

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Slot’s project gains momentum

As The Mirror reports, “Arne Slot’s side are in prime position, with talks set to take place in the next 24 hours.” Such urgency suggests that Liverpool are not only interested but are actively trying to get ahead of Premier League rivals. Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur are also keen on the 24-year-old, but Liverpool’s proposition, a title-winning project, Champions League football, and a chance to partner Van Dijk, offers something distinct.

Guehi has grown into a dependable figure at Crystal Palace and for England. Composed on the ball and physically strong, he suits the demands of modern top-level football. With a year left on his contract, Palace know they must strike a balance between extracting maximum value and avoiding losing him for nothing.

As The Mirror notes, “Crystal Palace value their England centre-half in the region of £70m… but they will still hold out for a fee in excess of £40m.”

Smart spending with long-term vision

Should Liverpool secure Guehi at around the £50–55m mark, it would represent a smart, strategic outlay, particularly when viewed as part of a wider shift under Arne Slot. While the club’s overall spend may edge above £200m, these are not luxury signings. They are necessary reinforcements aimed at sustaining a competitive edge both domestically and in Europe.

In Guehi, the Reds would be acquiring a homegrown player who knows the league and is just entering his prime. With Van Dijk in the latter stages of his career and Konaté yet to truly establish long-term fitness, Guehi offers durability, reliability and ceiling.

Photo: IMAGO

Guehi’s motivation could tilt the scales

At Liverpool, Guehi wouldn’t merely be cover. He would be stepping into a squad with genuine rotation and competition. Slot has already signalled his intent to freshen up tactical setups and demands, and a player like Guehi would be encouraged to push for starting minutes.

The opportunity to compete for major honours and develop further under a new regime may be too tempting to ignore.

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For Liverpool fans, this feels like a smart, forward-thinking move. Guehi is a player we’ve all seen perform week in, week out in the Premier League. He’s rarely flustered, reads the game well, and is calm in possession, exactly the type of defender who can thrive in a Liverpool shirt.

Yes, £50m-plus is significant money, but it’s the going rate for English internationals with Premier League experience. And with Palace unable to tie him down long-term, Liverpool are right to move in now rather than risk a scramble later in the window.

It also says a lot about how Arne Slot is starting to shape this team. The focus is clearly on players who are ready now but with room to grow. Guehi ticks every box, age profile, mentality, versatility, and availability.

With Quansah likely to leave and Konaté’s injury record still a concern, this is the type of depth we’ve been crying out for. If Liverpool can get this deal over the line quickly, it’ll be another strong step in what is already shaping up to be a transformative summer.