Liverpool’s Winter Dilemma: Can Marc Guehi Solve Anfield’s Defensive Crisis?
Liverpool’s chase for Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi is heating up as the January transfer window draws near. Just three months ago, the Reds were on the brink of completing a deal for the England international, only for Palace to withdraw at the eleventh hour, leaving the move unresolved. With defensive vulnerabilities increasingly apparent at Anfield, speculation is mounting that Liverpool may renew their pursuit, although multiple obstacles make the situation far from straightforward.
Spanish journalist Bruno Alemany recently sparked excitement among Reds fans by claiming that Guehi’s transfer to Liverpool is “almost finalized.” However, a more measured report from The Athletic tempers that enthusiasm, suggesting that Crystal Palace is unlikely to let go of their key defender mid-season. Gregg Evans, a respected football insider, confirms that Liverpool remain keen on Guehi but stresses that any January move would face considerable challenges, largely tied to contractual timing and the Premier League club’s strategic priorities.
One major complication lies in Guehi’s current contract, which has only seven months remaining. While this could theoretically pressure Palace into a sale to avoid losing him for free in the summer, the club might still prioritize their immediate survival objectives over cashing in early. From the player’s perspective, a mid-season move may not be ideal either. Staying could allow him to secure a more lucrative deal as a free agent while guaranteeing consistent game time—an important consideration with the World Cup approaching. These factors collectively make a winter transfer seem unlikely, despite Liverpool’s persistent interest.
Nevertheless, Liverpool may not have the luxury of patience. Manager Arne Slot is currently relying on just three senior centre-backs following Giovanni Leoni’s season-ending injury, while the team has already conceded 20 goals in the Premier League—a worrying statistic for a title-contending side. Waiting until the summer could prove risky, especially if another club presents Palace with an irresistible offer. Performance analytics further fuel Liverpool’s interest: Guehi has outshone established defenders like Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konaté in key defensive metrics, including tackles, interceptions, and recoveries.
Convincing Crystal Palace to part with their captain in January will not be easy, but Liverpool’s defensive struggles and lack of depth make the prospect tempting. A successful move could provide immediate reinforcement for a defence that has shown cracks, while a failed bid might leave the Reds scrambling to find an alternative solution. The coming weeks are set to be decisive, as Liverpool weigh the risk of pursuing Guehi mid-season against the potential reward of strengthening one of the Premier League’s most crucial positions.
In the end, Liverpool’s pursuit of Marc Guehi is a delicate balancing act. It involves timing, negotiation strategy, player ambition, and the urgent need for defensive stability. Whether the Reds will secure their top target or miss out once again remains a question that could define their campaign, both in domestic and European competitions.
