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It is not the first time that Liverpool have signed a player in such a way in recent years, side-stepping any possible bidding wars in the process, and it won’t be the last.

Meanwhile, at the other end of the spectrum, the Reds are smashing their transfer record to sign Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen for £116m.

The 22-year-old had long been expected to join Bayern Munich, while Man City were perceived to be his leading suitors in the Premier League.



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But after winning the title, Liverpool sensed an opportunity to sign one of the very best attacking midfielders in the world - and deal a blow to some of their European rivals in the process.

With the defender being out of contract next summer, there is an opportunity for a club to sign the 24-year-old for a fee below what would be his normal market rate.

With Crystal Palace also known to be long-term suitors of Liverpool teenager Ben Doak, and having had a bid rejected in January, it will be curious if the Scotland international plays any role in negotiations.

After all, it would not be the first time that negotiations for one player opened the door to further deals.

Meanwhile, relatively pacey for a centre-back, Guehi’s composure, both on the ball and in defensive situations, and his positioning are regarded as two of his strongest attributes.

He is also comfortable on the ball, either carrying it out or playing it out long from the back.

Liverpool would also not need to look far for character references for Guehi, given he came through the Chelsea academy before flourishing on loan at Swansea City.

Former Reds academy coach Michael Beale took Guehi under his wing during his time as a leading coach in Chelsea’s academy.

Quietly people are realising we have an absolute gem in him."

Meanwhile, Guehi first joined Swansea City on loan in January 2020, playing under another former Liverpool academy coach in Steve Cooper and alongside Reds loanee Rhian Brewster.

The 24-year-old will be a player Liverpool have been monitoring for a number of years throughout his career, long before he established himself as a leading Premier League centre-back.

Meanwhile, he has made over 35 appearances in the English top-flight in three of his four seasons with Crystal Palace since being signed in an £18m deal from Chelsea.

He is a threat in the opposition box too, despite his shorter height, having scored three times last season - the same as the likes of Van Dijk and Arsenal’s Gabriel Magalhaes.

Guehi would fit in at Liverpool and there is now an opportunity there to sign him.
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