Liverpool may well be closing in on the signing of Marc Guehi this summer, and it seems the defender might be keen on the idea of a move to Anfield.
The Reds are likely to be in the market for a new center-back this summer, regardless of whether Virgil van Dijk signs a new contract or not. The Liverpool captain has admitted this week that he has “no idea” what the future holds for him, making it all the more vital that the club has some alternative options in mind should the 33-year-old depart.
With that said, there are suggestions that Liverpool has already put together a three-man shortlist of potential replacements for Van Dijk. Included among those on the list Crystal Palace star Guehi.
The 24-year-old has long been one of the Eagles’ standout players, and his reputation only grew last summer as he helped England to the final of Euro 2024. Guehi is no stranger to transfer links, but if the most recent reports are anything to go by, Liverpool could be about to make those rumors end.
According to Mirror Football, Anfield is the England international’s preferred destination, and a deal is expected to be finalized in the summer. Chelsea looks to be the main competition for Guehi’s signature, while there could also be last-minute interest from Manchester City, Arsenal and Tottenham.
The Crystal Palace defender has spoken well of Liverpool in the past, which suggests he might fancy relocating his career to Anfield.
Guehi has made six appearances against the Reds, though he is yet to taste victory in the fixture, having suffered four defeats with the other two matches drawn. But he made clear how much he respects the club when speaking to Palace TV ahead of a previous encounter with the Reds.
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“I don’t think there’s any good time to play Liverpool, really,” Guehi said (via Sport Bible).
“Everyone knows how strong they are as a team, they’ve got some fantastic players, obviously off the back of a good season they had as well so it’s going to be a tough game,” he added. “We expect that and hopefully we can go and put in a good performance.”
The 24-year-old has just over a year remaining on his current deal, making this Palace’s last remaining summer in which it can hope to sell him for significant money. Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes spoke of being ‘opportunistic’ in relation to transfers when questioned on the strategy in Arne Slot’s first press conference last summer, and a swoop for the England international would likely fit that description.
Whether the Reds could convince the Eagles to part with Guehi is another matter. The player certainly sounds like he would at least consider joining Liverpool given how highly he spoke about it though.
An original version of this article was first published on July 15, 2024.
