Liverpool are close to finalizing the signing of Milos Kerkez from Bournemouth. However, manager Arne Slot and the recruitment team at Anfield should consider Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi a bigger priority as they aim to dominate both domestically and in Europe.
The Reds have made their ambitions clear, aiming to defend the Premier League title while strengthening the squad. This was evident last week when they smashed the British transfer record by signing Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen for £116 million.
Additionally, Jeremie Frimpong has arrived after Liverpool activated his £29.5 million release clause. Despite these additions, bringing in Guehi would be a crucial step, providing Slot with an ideal long-term partner for Virgil van Dijk at the center of defence.
Liverpool Should Prioritize Guehi
While Kerkez is a promising addition, landing Guehi would be a more impactful move. Reports suggest Guehi has privately expressed his desire to join the Premier League champions. Sporting director Richard Hughes must act swiftly to open negotiations with Crystal Palace.
Backed by Fenway Sports Group’s willingness to spend, Liverpool are well-positioned to push for this deal, especially after Tottenham failed in their £70 million bid for the defender.
With Guehi earning £50,000 per week and only 12 months left on his contract, Liverpool have a significant bargaining edge. Palace will be keen to avoid losing their captain for free next summer. Hughes must seize this opportunity, as Guehi — widely regarded as a ‘world-class’ defender — could form a dominant partnership with Van Dijk.
A Stronger Defence with Guehi
With Ibrahima Konaté’s contract talks stalling and Jarell Quansah heading to Leverkusen for £34 million after the U21 Euros, signing Guehi has become even more essential. The England international would likely become an instant starter under Slot, helping Liverpool remain strong contenders for trophies.
Adding Guehi to a backline that now includes Frimpong and Kerkez would significantly improve Liverpool’s defence. Since joining Palace from Chelsea for £18 million in 2021, Guehi has been one of the Premier League’s most reliable centre-backs — his signing would underline Liverpool’s intent.
While Wirtz’s record-breaking transfer will attract most of the attention — including his £12.8 million in bonuses — securing Guehi may prove even more vital than the Kerkez deal. Liverpool will be eager to finalize this transfer quickly
