Arne Slot Accelerates Plans to Sign Top-Class Star Due to Unreliable Liverpool Player

Liverpool FC manager Arne Slot is reportedly fast-tracking transfer plans for a top-class defender amid defensive vulnerabilities exposed by an unreliable Anfield squad member.

With Liverpool sitting fourth in the Premier League table during the 2025/26 season, the Reds' defense has faced significant criticism. Injuries have plagued the backline, particularly after right-back Conor Bradley's season-ending injury, leaving the squad short on options. This has forced sporting director Richard Hughes to consider a £35m+ move in January, accelerating previous plans for a summer deal.[1]

The primary target is Marc Guehi, the England international center-back from Crystal Palace. Liverpool pursued Guehi on the final day of the 2025 summer window but missed out. Recent reports confirm Guehi prefers Liverpool over rivals like Manchester City and Arsenal, with sources indicating he plans to stay at Palace until summer 2026—though Liverpool's urgent needs may prompt an earlier bid. Guehi's Premier League experience, homegrown status, and versatility make him ideal, especially as Ibrahima Konate has not extended his contract, creating uncertainty in the center-back pairing.[1][3]

Bradley was expected to claim the first-choice right-back spot but has been sidelined frequently, proving unreliable. With him out, Joe Gomez steps in, depleting center-back backups amid Liverpool's trophy ambitions. Slot has publicly backed the squad's depth, stating he's "really happy" and trusts summer signings, emphasizing long-term growth over January panic buying. However, defensive frailties—coupled with interest in other targets like Yan Diomande—suggest reinforcements are imminent.[2][3]

Meanwhile, Liverpool have secured their first 2026 signing: 17-year-old center-back talent Ndukwe from Austria Wien, confirmed by Fabrizio Romano as a "here we go" deal for summer pre-season. At 6'5", the fast and promising prospect bolsters future plans.[4]

Despite no immediate plans to sack Slot, pressure mounts if results don't improve. This move signals Liverpool's intent to stabilize and compete across competitions.[3][5]

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