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That need for reinforcements will only grow once Quansah completes his switch to the Bundesliga next week, and the Reds currently have no ready-made replacement.

Marc Guehi and Jorrel Hato have been the two most heavily linked with a move to Anfield, but Guehi is the option Liverpool cannot afford to miss out on this summer.

Widespread reports have credited Liverpool with long-standing interest in the England international, and that speculation has only intensified in recent weeks as Quansah’s sale became increasingly likely.



On top of that, he is homegrown - a key consideration for Liverpool when weighing up further incomings and outgoings this summer.

According to the latest update from talkSPORT, Liverpool will only step up their interest if Palace’s asking price drops well below the £45m mark.

With just a year left on his current deal and a potential free transfer looming next summer, it’s understandable why Liverpool would be reluctant to overpay.

However, if Guehi attracts broader interest from the likes of Newcastle, Chelsea or Tottenham, another club may be willing to meet Palace’s demands and pay what Liverpool will not.

Understandably, Palace will be reluctant to lose their captain for a fee that, in their eyes, offers less value than simply keeping him - especially if they are granted permission to compete in next season’s Europa League, having qualified via their FA Cup win.

But for Liverpool, Guehi offers more than just a replacement for Quansah.

And without a Club World Cup this time around, Liverpool lack the leverage to demand a fee from his next club.

The longer that uncertainty drags on, the more Liverpool must prepare for life after Konate

Unless Liverpool have a surprise target in mind, the 24-year-old may prove to be an opportunity they simply cannot afford to pass up, particularly at such a pivotal point in the evolution of their backline.

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