“BBC Sport: Liverpool Confront Tough Choice Over Guehi”

 

 

Liverpool’s long-term defensive strategy is facing renewed scrutiny this week, as a familiar target has emerged on a rival club’s radar.

BBC Sport’s Sami Mokbel and Shamoon Hafez report that Manchester City are increasingly interested in Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi, a player Liverpool have monitored closely for more than a year. The timing is significant.

Following another draining afternoon, conceding late at Fulham, moments like these inevitably highlight potential gaps in our defensive setup. The England international, now 25, will be out of contract this summer—a factor that has shaped Liverpool’s approach for some time.

Liverpool nearly secured Guehi for around £35m last summer, but Palace pulled out on deadline day—a decision that continues to influence discussions today.

BBC Sport notes that City are now considering a January move due to injuries to Josko Gvardiol, Ruben Dias, and John Stones, adding genuine competition to the race.

Questions have been raised about whether an earlier signing would have changed Liverpool’s season, with Jamie Carragher noting it “would have made a big difference,” while also stressing it wouldn’t have solved every problem. That distinction is important.

Liverpool’s defensive challenges aren’t limited to a single position, and Carragher acknowledged the squad has sometimes felt “really unbalanced.” Paul Joyce previously reported that Liverpool planned to wait and sign Guehi on a free transfer in the summer—a financially sensible approach after a busy window.

That strategy now looks less secure.

City’s interest increases the risk of losing control, especially as overseas clubs can now arrange pre-contract agreements.

For Liverpool, this is less about panic and more about leverage. Guehi fits the club’s desired profile—age, leadership, and durability—having played 44 games last season and captained Palace to FA Cup success.

But patience only works if the board remains decisive. If rivals act first, Liverpool may soon have to weigh whether waiting still equals control—or simply hesitation.