Arne Slot reveals truth behind Marc Guehi transfer breakdown as Liverpool weigh up January move
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Liverpool manager Arne Slot has expressed interest in signing Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace to strengthen the club's defensive options for the 2025/26 season. This potential signing addresses Liverpool’s concerns about squad depth at centre-back, as the team currently relies heavily on the established pairing of Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konaté, with Joe Gomez as the only other senior option in that role.
Guehi, who has impressed at Crystal Palace playing predominantly on the left side of a back three, has also demonstrated his capability to operate on the left side of a back four with England. This versatility aligns with Liverpool’s preferred defensive setup under Slot, who favors a back four formation. However, fitting Guehi into the current system presents a tactical challenge since Van Dijk, Liverpool’s captain, generally occupies the left-sided centre-back role in a back four, a position he started 37 of 38 Premier League games last season.
According to Sky Sports analysis, this creates a "conundrum" for Slot: Liverpool would need either Guehi or Van Dijk to switch roles or consider shifting to a back three to accommodate Guehi’s strengths. This tactical decision will likely weigh heavily on the club’s planning if the transfer goes ahead.
The talks between Liverpool and Crystal Palace reportedly involve a potential £35 million deal, with Guehi apparently keen on the move if assured regular playing time. Given Liverpool's ambition to maintain their Premier League title and enhance squad depth after winning the 2024/25 season under Arne Slot, the addition of Guehi could be a key strategic move.
Slot’s arrival at Liverpool has already been transformative, leading the club to its 20th league title, and the defensive reinforcement with Guehi could help sustain their position at the top and bolster Liverpool's competitiveness in domestic and European competitions.
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