Journalist outlines how Marc Guehi might react if Liverpool go back in with an offer in January
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Liverpool's potential January transfer of Crystal Palace centre-back Marc Guehi faces significant complications, largely influenced by the injury status of Liverpool defender Giovanni Leoni. Leoni, a €31 million signing from Parma, suffered an ACL tear in his Liverpool debut, leaving the club with only three senior centre-backs—Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konate, and Joe Gomez—and casting uncertainty on their January defensive reinforcements plans.
The Reds had initially planned to sign Guehi as a free agent next summer when his contract expires, but Leoni’s injury has raised the possibility of a January move to maintain four elite centre-backs in manager Arne Slot’s squad. However, Guehi’s own reluctance to move mid-season in a World Cup year, combined with his desire for stability and potentially better terms as a free agent, complicates any immediate transfer.
While Liverpool previously bid around £35 million for Guehi plus a sell-on clause, the deal collapsed as Crystal Palace struggled to find a replacement and Palace manager Oliver Glasner opposed selling his captain. Reports indicate Liverpool will not attempt to re-sign Guehi in January but will instead wait for the free transfer opportunity next summer. Other clubs such as Real Madrid, Manchester City, Juventus, and Barcelona have shown interest, which Liverpool suspects might be a tactic to pressure them during negotiations. Nevertheless, Guehi remains keen on a Liverpool move if it comes to fruition.
Overall, Liverpool must make a critical decision soon: whether to push for Guehi in January or stick with their current defensive options, considering Ibrahima Konate may leave next summer and Guehi’s availability then offers a cost-effective solution. The evolving situation has made the January transfer window a focal point for Liverpool's defensive strategy and has significant implications for Guehi’s future.
PP