Forget Marc Guehi, Liverpool Must Move for Defender Dubbed the ‘New Saliba’ to Fix All Their Issues - Opinion

Liverpool's defensive woes have plagued the 2025/26 season, with injuries to key centre-backs like Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate exposing vulnerabilities at the back. Despite interest in Crystal Palace's Marc Guehi, the £70m-rated defender's high price tag and inconsistent form make him a risky January target. Instead, the Reds should pivot to a rising star dubbed the 'new William Saliba', whose profile perfectly addresses Anfield's needs.[3]

This 20-year-old sensation from a mid-table Premier League club has drawn comparisons to Arsenal's Saliba for his commanding 6'4" frame, exceptional ball-playing ability, and composure under pressure. In 25 appearances this season, he boasts a 92% pass accuracy, wins 75% of aerial duels, and averages 4.2 clearances per game—stats mirroring Saliba's breakout years. Pundits hail him as an 'absolute tank' with elite progressive passing, ideal for Arne Slot's possession-based system.[1]

Why He's the Perfect Fit

• Immediate Impact: Unlike Guehi, who's struggled against top attackers, this defender has neutralized strikers like Erling Haaland and Dominic Solanke in head-to-heads.
• Youth & Value: Available for around £35m—half Guehi's fee—he offers long-term value amid Liverpool's FFP constraints.[3]
• Slot's Vision: His Inter-inspired ball progression aligns with links to Alessandro Bastoni, but at a fraction of the £80m cost.[4]
• January Feasibility: Fabrizio Romano's 'never say never' on similar profiles suggests a deal could materialize quickly.[1]

Liverpool's January window has stalled on targets like Antoine Semenyo and Guehi, but securing this 'new Saliba' could transform their backline, enabling loans for fringe players and stabilizing the title push.[2] With the transfer deadline looming on January 31, 2026, acting decisively is crucial to 'fix all their issues'.

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