Liverpool Eye Crystal Palace's Marc Guehi With Player Eager for Anfield Move

The winter transfer window is just hours away and the first big rumor of the window is already starting to circulate. According to multiple reports, Liverpool are looking to acquire Crystal Palace’s captain, Marc Guehi. The 24-year-old defender has impressed many scouts with his recent performances, and it looks like that the Englishman may soon get his big move.

According to Spanish outlet Fichajes, the Reds are keen to bolster their defensive ranks as they aim to maintain their exceptional form under manager Arne Slot. The Reds are looking to reinforce their squad in order to sustain their stellar form this season, which sees them top the Premier League as well as the Champions League standings. On top of that, Liverpool are also in the semifinals of the Carabao Cup. With Arne Slot’s men competing on all fronts, they will surely need winter additions. And it starts with their defense. That department is their most pressing concern, as Ibrahima Konate and Joe Gomez – who was in excellent form before his injury – are ruled out for the foreseeable future. With 33-year-old Virgil Van Dijk and young Jarell Quansah as the only fit senior defenders, Liverpool are in dire need of strengthening, and it looks like they have zeroed in on Marc Guehi. 

Marc Guehi has firmly established himself as one of the Premier League’s brightest defensive prospects. The 24-year-old made the move to Crystal Palace from Chelsea in 2021 for a reported £18 million, and he’s since become an essential part of the Eagles’ defense. This season, Guehi has featured in 22 games across all competitions, impressing with his defensive solidity while also contributing two goals and an assist. His performances for both club and country have only boosted his reputation, with his standout role in England’s run to the UEFA Euro 2024 final drawing even more attention. With his contract running until 2026 and a market value of €45 million, Crystal Palace are likely to hold out for more than Liverpool’s reported £65 million offer. 

Liverpool’s pursuit of Marc Guehi is fueled by a pressing need to bolster their defensive depth. With the departures of Sepp Van den Berg, Nat Phillips, and Rhys Williams, the Reds began the season with just four senior center-backs. Manager Arne Slot opted for the pairing of Ibrahima Konate and Virgil Van Dijk, a combination that transformed Liverpool into the league’s top defensive side. However, injuries have disrupted that stability. Konate suffered a knee injury during Liverpool’s 2-0 victory over Real Madrid, forcing Joe Gomez to step in seamlessly.  

But disaster struck again when Gomez picked up a hamstring injury against West Ham, leaving him sidelined for weeks. Now, only Van Dijk and young Jarell Quansah remain as senior defensive options. With crucial fixtures against Manchester United, Spurs, Nottingham Forest, and two Champions League ties on the horizon, Guehi could be the perfect reinforcement. However, prying him away in January won’t be easy. As Crystal Palace’s captain and a key figure in their relegation battle, the Eagles are unlikely to let him go without a fight. 

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