Liverpool’s pursuit of Marc Guehi has taken some supporters by surprise this summer
Liverpool are in the market for at least one new centre-back this summer — and possibly even two — after Jarell Quansah completed a move to Bayer Leverkusen.
At first, Marc Guehi didn’t seem like a realistic option. The Crystal Palace captain is well-established, an England international, and would likely come with a hefty price tag. But over the weekend, reports began to suggest that Liverpool were edging closer to a deal. The 24-year-old is now looking like a genuine target for both Richard Hughes and Arne Slot.
Despite Liverpool’s reluctance to pay a massive fee and questions about whether Guehi would accept a role without guaranteed minutes, things appear to have shifted. Journalist David Lynch says that the defender has now given the green light for a move — a strong signal that Liverpool have provided some reassurances.
“It’s an interesting one because all I’m hearing is that he wants guarantees around game time,” Lynch said on Anfield Index. “From what I’ve been told over the last couple of days, he’s keen on the move — so I guess he’s had those reassurances that he won’t just be sitting on the bench.”
Lynch also added that while Guehi likely hasn’t spoken directly to Arne Slot, discussions at the sporting director level have convinced him to move forward. “They must be telling him something that makes him think he’s getting some minutes,” Lynch explained.
Of course, the elephant in the room here is Ibrahima Konaté. While the Frenchman may still start ahead of Guehi, the mere fact Liverpool are chasing a centre-back of this quality — and making promises — raises questions about Konaté’s long-term future. His contract situation remains uncertain, and the club might be preparing for the possibility of his exit, whether this summer or next.
At the same time, Virgil van Dijk is not getting any younger. Having three top-tier centre-backs — Konaté, Guehi, and Gomez — plus van Dijk, gives Liverpool some flexibility and much-needed depth. Guehi’s arrival could also allow for more careful management of van Dijk’s minutes.
Still, if Guehi does sign, the balance of power in Liverpool’s defence could shift. On paper, both he and Konaté can co-exist. But with Liverpool seemingly making promises to one, the writing may be on the wall for the other.
Right now, it doesn’t sound like Marc Guehi is coming to sit on the bench. And that could mean Konaté’s time at Anfield is heading into its final chapter.