Liverpool to Intensify Centre-Back Search After Gomez Injury, with Guehi in Focus
Liverpool are reportedly preparing to ramp up their efforts to sign a new centre-back following Joe Gomez’s early departure from the club’s pre-season tour in Asia.
Just before the friendly against AC Milan on Saturday, it was announced that the 28-year-old would return to Merseyside for treatment on a minor Achilles problem. The injury leaves Arne Slot with only two fit senior centre-backs.
Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konaté each played a half in the game in Hong Kong, while Ryan Gravenberch and Kostas Tsimikas were forced to fill in as emergency central defenders due to the shortage of options.
With the season fast approaching, bringing in another centre-back has become a clear priority, and Liverpool look set to accelerate their pursuit of a long-standing target.
Liverpool Expected to Renew Guehi Effort
According to Football Insider, the Reds maintain a “concrete” interest in Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi and are expected to make a renewed approach for the 25-year-old soon.
The report also states that Guehi would favour a move to Anfield over other interested clubs. However, Palace are likely to stand firm on their £50 million asking price. Guehi is expected to seek assurances from Arne Slot regarding consistent game time before any deal moves forward.
Guehi Now a Must-Sign for Liverpool
With Jarell Quansah sold to Bayer Leverkusen and Gomez now injured, Liverpool’s need for a reliable centre-back is more urgent than ever.
While several areas of the squad have been strengthened this summer, the central defence remains untouched—despite being one of the most vulnerable positions in terms of depth.
Sporting director Richard Hughes wasn’t at the club during the injury crisis of the 2020/21 season, but he’ll know the risks of being caught short at centre-back. That season’s title defense fell apart when midfielders and youth players were forced into emergency roles in defense.
Though Palace will be reluctant to sell Guehi—especially with just a year left on his contract and no extension in sight—Liverpool must make his signing a top priority, even above a potential deal for forward Alexander Isak.
With the expected £65 million windfall from Luis Diaz’s move to Bayern Munich, Liverpool should allocate a significant portion of those funds to securing Guehi. The England international, praised as “exceptional” by Gareth Southgate during Euro 2024, could be a crucial addition to Slot’s backline.
Securing Guehi before the window closes could be one of Liverpool’s most important moves this summer.
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