Liverpool FC is facing a significant concern regarding a shortage of senior centre-backs following Joe Gomez's return to Merseyside for treatment on a minor Achilles injury during the club's pre-season tour in Asia. This development leaves manager Arne Slot with only two senior centre-backs available: Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate, both of whom played limited minutes in a recent match against AC Milan in Hong Kong. To cover the defensive gap, Ryan Gravenberch and Kostas Tsimikas were deployed in unfamiliar central defensive roles, highlighting the urgency of this issue.
The club is now set to accelerate its efforts to recruit a new centre-back with only a few weeks remaining in the summer transfer window. Liverpool has exhibited a "concrete" interest in Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi, a 25-year-old who reportedly prioritizes a move to Anfield over other potential suitors. Crystal Palace, however, are expected to demand a £50 million valuation for Guehi, and the player is anticipated to seek reassurances from manager Arne Slot about regular playing time should the transfer proceed.
This potential acquisition is regarded as crucial for Liverpool’s squad stability, as the current shortage in the centre-back position poses a risk to the team’s defensive solidity ahead of the upcoming season. The urgency is further underscored by the fact that versatile players are currently filling defensive roles, which may not be sustainable long-term at the elite level of competition.
Manager Arne Slot has attempted to downplay concerns about the centre-back depth, but the situation is attracting significant attention given Liverpool’s Champions League and Premier League ambitions. The club’s intent to reinforce the defense by targeting a player with the profile of Guehi aligns with the need to maintain top competition standards and address injury crises promptly.
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