Liverpool are reported to be in pole position to sign Crystal Palace centre-back Marc Guehi ahead of Newcastle United in the summer transfer window.
The Merseysiders also have the opportunity to beat Newcastle on the pitch at Wembley on Sunday in the final of the EFL Cup, and captain Virgil van Dijk will be hoping to win the trophy for a third time in four seasons.
Van Dijk has arguably been one of the division’s finest defenders, and he is on course to win the Premier League title for a second time given the Reds are 15 points ahead of second-placed Arsenal.
However, the defender’s contract at Anfield is set to expire in the summer and the 33-year-old will leave the club for free as things stand, and fans are concerned that there has seemingly been no progress over an extension.
In what could be a bid to mitigate his potential departure, the Mirror claim that Liverpool are poised to sign Palace centre-back Guehi, with Anfield said to be his preferred destination.
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Does Guehi make sense for Liverpool
Guehi has predominantly played on the left side of Oliver Glasner‘s back three at Selhurst Park, and he has so far won 65% of his ground duels in the Premier League this season.
The defender is also quick off the mark, and his speed would undoubtedly be useful to Liverpool boss Arne Slot given he often stations his centre-backs on the halfway line.
However, it should be noted that Guehi is just under six-foot tall and the Merseysiders have generally opted to sign taller centre-backs in order to dominate in the air.
Van Dijk has so far won 3.1 aerial duels per 90 in the Premier League – a 71% success rate – and it is difficult to see how Guehi can scale his success rate of 59% (2.3 per 90) to match the Dutchman’s figure.
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Why signing a centre-back is important
While Van Dijk’s potential exit in the summer would undoubtedly force the club to look for a replacement, there is an argument that the Reds need an additional centre-back as a matter of priority irrespective of the outcome of his contract standoff.
The Dutch captain will be 34 years old by the time next season starts, and even if he stays at the club, he would benefit from having capable backup.
Additionally, Ibrahima Konate will have a year remaining on his deal by the time next season starts, and his history of injuries makes signing another centre-back to compete with him for a starting spot a sensible idea.
Whether Guehi would be happy to fight for his place in the staring XI remains to be seen, but Liverpool will likely look to strengthen in defence regardless.
