Report: Liverpool given clear run at top defensive target ahead of new season | OneFootball

Liverpool Eye Palace Star Marc Guéhi as Defensive Reinforcements Loom

Liverpool have emerged as favourites to secure the signature of England international Marc Guéhi, with Chelsea focusing their transfer energy elsewhere. According to The Telegraph, Guéhi is firmly on Arne Slot’s radar as the Reds look to bolster their defensive options.

Guéhi, 25, has just one year left on his Crystal Palace contract and will face Liverpool in the Community Shield at Wembley this Sunday. His contractual situation has attracted attention at Anfield, where monitoring has been ongoing for the past year.

With Chelsea opting to “find different solutions” despite Levi Colwill’s injury, Liverpool appear to have a “clear run” at the centre-back, who began his career at Stamford Bridge.

Contract Clock Ticking for Palace and Guéhi

Palace boss Oliver Glasner admitted: “Marc and me, we have the same fate, but I can’t speak on behalf of Marc.” The defender’s market value is complicated—Newcastle valued him at £65 million last summer, but with free agency only a year away, a lower price is expected.

Guéhi’s importance to Palace is unquestionable, especially after starting for England at Euro 2024. But with no extension in sight, the Eagles could be forced to cash in.

Slot’s Defensive Focus

Liverpool’s summer has been marked by attacking signings, including Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike. However, Slot stressed the need to tighten up at the back: “What we need to improve is to concede less… they had, in my opinion, too many chances as well.” Guéhi could be the answer to that problem.

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Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

From a Liverpool supporter’s perspective, the idea of signing Marc Guéhi feels like a shrewd move. The Reds may have invested heavily in attack this summer, but defensive depth has been a lingering concern since injuries disrupted the back line last season.

Guéhi offers several appealing qualities: Premier League experience, proven composure under pressure, and an ability to perform at international level. His year left on the contract makes this a potentially value-driven deal—something Liverpool’s recruitment team has excelled at in recent years.

Slot’s comments about reducing the number of chances conceded are telling. While Virgil van Dijk remains world-class, Liverpool need more options in the backline, with Gomez’ injury history, and Quansah’s departure that only leaves Van Dijk & Konate as reliable options. Ibou also has his own contract situation hanging over his head.

In short, if Liverpool can move quickly—before Chelsea or Newcastle reconsider—this could be one of the smartest signings of the summer.