Liverpool Join Manchester United in Race for £23m Premier League Defensive Star
Liverpool Football Club is navigating a pivotal moment in the summer of 2025. Under the guidance of newly appointed manager Arne Slot, the Reds are undertaking a meticulous squad rebuild aimed at addressing defensive weaknesses that have surfaced during pre-season and the Premier League curtain-raiser. Strengthening the backline has emerged as a primary objective in this transfer window, with two standout targets: Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi and Brentford leader Nathan Collins.
This transfer pursuit goes beyond simply bolstering defensive talent—it represents a strategic evolution in Liverpool’s football philosophy under Slot. Inheriting a squad that flourished under Jürgen Klopp, Slot faces the delicate task of implementing his tactical vision while preserving the club’s competitive edge. Defensive stability has been flagged as urgent, with early performances underscoring vulnerabilities the team can ill afford to ignore.
The race for Guehi and Collins has intensified throughout August, with Premier League rivals Manchester United entering the fray. This competitive backdrop adds another layer of complexity, forcing Liverpool to carefully navigate financial negotiations while contending with heightened market rivalry.
Marc Guehi: Liverpool’s Top Target
Marc Guehi is Liverpool’s priority. The Crystal Palace captain offers a blend of Premier League experience, international exposure, and leadership qualities that slot seamlessly into Slot’s defensive blueprint. At 24, Guehi has already demonstrated composure and tactical awareness on both domestic and international stages, making him well-suited to the demands of Liverpool’s high-pressure environment, including Champions League competition.
Guehi’s leadership is particularly noteworthy. His tenure as captain at Crystal Palace highlights his ability to organize the defense, communicate effectively, and maintain calm under pressure—qualities Liverpool urgently need to replace departing defensive stalwarts. Moreover, his style of play aligns with Slot’s tactical philosophy: comfortable in possession, adept at building from the back, and versatile in defensive positioning. His aerial presence and physicality further enhance his suitability for Premier League challenges.
Financially, Guehi represents a significant investment, with Crystal Palace reportedly valuing him around £35 million. Liverpool appear prepared to make this outlay, recognizing both his immediate impact potential and long-term value. Encouragingly, Guehi reportedly favors a move to Anfield, signaling his readiness to embrace the challenge and pressure of playing for a top-tier club.
Nathan Collins: A Strong Alternative
While Guehi is the frontrunner, Nathan Collins offers an attractive alternative. Since joining Brentford from Wolverhampton Wanderers for £23 million in 2023, the 24-year-old Irish international has become a cornerstone of his club, recently taking over as captain. His defensive stats—challenge success rate, aerial duel wins, and overall contributions—rank among the Premier League’s elite, highlighting his reliability and consistency.
Collins combines modern defensive attributes with leadership, comfort on the ball, and distribution skills. His physicality adds a different dimension to Liverpool’s backline, especially against direct or aerial attacks. Additionally, his Premier League experience ensures a seamless transition, minimizing adaptation time while fitting Liverpool’s strategy for long-term squad development. Competition for his signature is fierce, with Manchester United and Tottenham also expressing interest, which could influence negotiations and transfer fees.
Tactical and Strategic Considerations
Slot’s defensive philosophy prioritizes high lines, aggressive pressing, and building attacks from the back. Both Guehi and Collins complement this system but offer subtly different strengths: Guehi’s composure and distribution enhance possession-based play, while Collins’ physical presence provides robustness against direct threats. Their versatility allows Slot to adapt formations and strategies according to opposition threats, making either signing tactically valuable.
Liverpool’s transfer approach reflects both immediate and long-term planning. Alongside experienced targets like Guehi or Collins, the club has invested in young talent such as 18-year-old Giovanni Leoni from Parma. Leoni represents the future, offering technical promise and the potential to develop within Liverpool’s system, demonstrating the club’s commitment to multi-generational squad depth.
Market Dynamics and Competitive Pressure
The Premier League transfer market has become increasingly competitive, particularly for quality center-backs. Liverpool must navigate this environment with careful financial planning while contending with rivals like Manchester United, whose presence elevates the stakes. The club’s strategy involves balancing the urgency of defensive reinforcement with market realities to avoid inflated fees while securing top targets.
Both Guehi and Collins bring leadership and mental fortitude that would benefit Liverpool beyond defensive duties. Their presence could enhance squad dynamics, foster internal competition, and solidify defensive partnerships, contributing to sustained performance across domestic and European competitions.
Ultimately, Liverpool’s summer transfer activity highlights a calculated and targeted approach: prioritizing defensive reinforcement, investing in long-term potential, and maintaining a balance between immediate impact and future development under Arne Slot’s vision.
