Report: Liverpool Lead Race To Sign Premier League Defender Amid Van Dijk Uncertainty | OneFootball

Liverpool’s Pursuit of Marc Guéhi Heats Up

Reports from the Mirror suggest that Liverpool are leading the race to sign Crystal Palace defender Marc Guéhi, edging out competitors such as Newcastle United and Chelsea. The 24-year-old centre-back has been pivotal for Palace and has garnered attention from top Premier League clubs. This potential acquisition raises questions about Liverpool’s defensive strategies and future squad composition.​

Guéhi’s Emergence as a Defensive Talent

Marc Guéhi’s journey from Chelsea’s youth ranks to becoming a mainstay in Crystal Palace’s defence showcases his development and resilience. After a successful loan spell at Swansea City, Guéhi transferred to Palace in 2021, where he quickly established himself as a reliable centre-back. His performances during the 2024 European Championship further solidified his reputation, making him one of England’s standout players. His composure, tactical awareness, and leadership qualities have been widely acknowledged. ​

Liverpool’s Defensive Considerations

The potential signing of Guéhi aligns with Liverpool’s need to bolster their defensive options, especially with uncertainties surrounding the futures of key players. Virgil van Dijk, a cornerstone of Liverpool’s defence, recently stated, “I have no idea. I still have no idea at the moment. Genuinely. I have no idea at the moment.” This ambiguity necessitates proactive measures to ensure defensive stability.

Photo IMAGO

Guéhi’s Defensive Profile

Standing at 182 cm (approximately 6 feet), Guéhi is not the tallest centre-back, especially when compared to Van Dijk (193 cm) and Ibrahima Konaté (194 cm). However, his aerial prowess is notable. In the Premier League, Guéhi has won 213 aerial duels, demonstrating his effectiveness in aerial challenges. Additionally, his tackle success rate of 55% and 114 interceptions highlight his defensive acumen.​

Financial Implications of the Transfer

Acquiring Guéhi would require a substantial financial commitment. Crystal Palace previously rejected a £65 million bid from Newcastle United, indicating their valuation of the defender. Liverpool’s willingness to meet such a valuation would reflect their intent to secure top defensive talent. However, considering Guéhi’s desire to join a Champions League club, Liverpool’s current standing could influence negotiations.​

Marc Guéhi’s potential move to Liverpool signifies the club’s strategic planning to reinforce their defence amidst contractual uncertainties. His proven Premier League experience, combined with his international performances, make him a valuable asset. While his height differs from current Liverpool centre-backs, his aerial capabilities and defensive intelligence compensate effectively. The financial aspects of the transfer will play a crucial role, but securing Guéhi could ensure defensive solidity for Liverpool in the coming seasons.​

Photo: IMAGO

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

Several concerns arise regarding the potential acquisition of Marc Guéhi. Firstly, his height of 182 cm (approximately 6 feet) is notably less than that of Virgil van Dijk (193 cm) and Ibrahima Konaté (194 cm). This discrepancy might impact our aerial dominance, especially against teams that exploit set-pieces. While Guéhi has demonstrated competence in aerial duels, the Premier League’s physical demands necessitate consideration of such physical attributes.​

Secondly, the assumption that Van Dijk may depart is speculative. His recent comments, “I have no idea at the moment,” reflect uncertainty but not a definitive decision to leave. Investing heavily in Guéhi without clarity on Van Dijk’s future could lead to an overstaffed defence, causing selection dilemmas and potential unrest among players seeking regular first-team football.​

Lastly, the financial aspect cannot be overlooked. With Crystal Palace previously rejecting a £65 million bid, committing such a significant sum for a player who may not be a guaranteed starter seems imprudent. Guéhi’s desire for regular Champions League football might also influence his decision, especially if he faces stiff competition for a starting position at Liverpool.​

In conclusion, while Guéhi is undoubtedly a talented defender, these factors warrant careful consideration before proceeding with such a high-profile transfer.