Slot’s Defensive Revamp Gains Traction with Guehi Targeted
Arne Slot’s efforts to reshape Liverpool’s defence are picking up pace, with The Mirror reporting that the club is on the brink of signing England international Marc Guehi. The Crystal Palace centre-back, highly sought after by several Premier League clubs, is reportedly nearing a move to Anfield, with formal talks expected within the next 24 hours.
This move aligns with Jarell Quansah’s likely transfer to Bayer Leverkusen. While Liverpool have inserted a buy-back clause in Quansah’s deal, his departure opens a spot that the club plans to fill with an experienced, first-team-ready player.
Guehi Move Seen as a Calculated Investment
Crystal Palace acknowledge that, with Guehi having just a year left on his contract, their initial £70 million valuation is unlikely to be met. However, they are still holding out for a fee exceeding £40 million.
Liverpool reportedly believe a price around £50 million is fair, particularly if they secure up to £35 million from Quansah’s sale, including add-ons. Essentially, Liverpool would be paying an extra £15 million to upgrade to a Premier League-proven, homegrown defender.
A Perfect Fit for Slot’s Style
At 24, Guehi already possesses leadership qualities, having captained Crystal Palace, and has been capped for England. Known for his composure, ball-playing ability, and tactical awareness, he fits seamlessly into Slot’s system, which favors proactive defenders comfortable in possession.
While Guehi may initially serve as a backup, he’s well-placed to challenge Ibrahima Konaté for a starting role alongside Virgil van Dijk. Given Van Dijk’s advancing age and Konaté’s injury record, Guehi’s arrival adds much-needed depth and competition.
A Smart, Long-Term Move
In today’s inflated transfer market, Liverpool’s pursuit of Guehi reflects prudent planning. His contract situation, combined with the timing of Quansah’s exit, creates the perfect opportunity to secure a high-quality English centre-back at a reasonable cost.
This isn’t a flashy transfer — it’s a strategic one aimed at strengthening the squad’s depth, improving quality, and future-proofing the defence. Under Slot’s leadership, Liverpool’s recruitment looks increasingly methodical and forward-thinking.
Anfield Index’s Take
The potential arrival of Guehi makes complete sense. He offers Premier League experience, satisfies homegrown requirements, and brings genuine competition to the backline. At £50 million, it’s a savvy deal, especially with the financial offset from Quansah’s sale.
Guehi isn’t being signed to sit on the bench. His drive and skill suggest he could quickly establish himself as a regular starter, especially with injuries or squad rotation. For Liverpool supporters, this deal ticks every box: quality, age, mentality, and financial sense.
If finalized, this transfer would give Liverpool a key defensive piece for years to come — a move focused on long-term strength rather than short-term headlines
