Liverpool could solve clear problem for Arne Slot with clever free transfer agreement

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Unlike in previous years, Liverpool had a rather busy end to the summer transfer window.

Alexander Isak's arrival was confirmed on deadline day and there was almost another new signing through the door at Anfield.

Liverpool tried to sign Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace and the club even reached an agreement for a £35million deal for the defender.



However, the move collapsed in the final hours of the window after Palace failed to sign a replacement for the England international.

This was despite Guehi undergoing a medical in London to become a Liverpool player.

The defender is still out of contract at the end of the season and is expected to be available on a free transfer next summer.

READ MORE:Liverpool sent Marc Guehi transfer prediction after £35m twist - 'He definitely wants to'READ MORE:Didi Hamann explains why Arne Slot may need to drop Mo Salah as Hugo Ekitike issue emerges

It's clear that Liverpool wanted to sign a new centre-back, even after the arrival of Giovanni Leoni from Parma.

That deal essentially saw a replacement for Jarell Quansah arrive, but their move for Guehi would also have been with forward planning in mind, as well as being a key player for the here and now.

Instead, Liverpool will go into the first half of the season with captain Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konate, Joe Gomez and Leoni as their centre-back options.

When the January transfer window rolls around, meanwhile, it will hand the Reds an ideal opportunity to go into the market for reinforcements should they wish to do so.

Liverpool will also be mindful of that free agent market, which could give them an opportunity this January.

When the New Year arrives, the Reds will be able to open talks with players outside England whose contracts run out at the end of the season.

Even though Guehi's contract expires next summer, Liverpool cannot officially approach the player to agree a deal until the season has concluded.

That does not apply to players at clubs in other countries, though, with one player potentially worth considering from the Reds' point of view.

Bayern Munich star Dayot Upamecano is out of contract as things stand at the end of the season.

Reports have stated that the Bundesliga giants want to give the France international an extension, but that is yet to be agreed.

If a new deal is not signed by the time the January transfer window rolls around, Liverpool would be wise to give a move for Upamecano some thought, depending on where they stand with the possibility of signing Guehi.

The Reds will also have to bear in mind what the latest will be with Konate's contract when the New Year arrives.

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Konate's deal also expires next summer and - as things stand - there is yet to be an agreement reached to extend the France international's time at Anfield beyond this season.

Only once time passes will it become clear what Liverpool have planned for the centre-back department beyond this season.