Liverpool are reportedly preparing a £65million bid to secure Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi during the January transfer window.
According to the Spanish channel filesthe Reds are set to strengthen their defensive ranks as they look to maintain their outstanding form under manager Arne Slot.
Currently leading the Premier League and excelling in both the Champions League and domestic competitions, Liverpool are looking to strengthen their squad to maintain their dominance in the second half of the season.
Marc Guehi has established himself as one of the Premier League’s most promising defensive talents. The 24-year-old joined Crystal Palace from Chelsea in 2021 for around £18m and has since become a vital cog in the Eagles’ backline.
This season, Guehi has made 22 appearances in all competitions, showing his defensive reliability and even contributing offensively with two goals and an assist. His stellar performances for both club and country have only raised his profile, particularly his key role in England’s run to the UEFA Euro 2024 finals.
With his contract running until 2026 and a market value of €45m, Crystal Palace are expected to demand a higher fee than Liverpool’s initial offer of £65m, making midfield negotiations difficult season
However, Crystal Palace are reportedly paying a higher fee than Liverpool’s initial bid, highlighting the challenge of securing his services mid-season.
Liverpool see Marc Guehi as a long-term solution for the defence
Liverpool’s interest in Guehi comes amid growing concerns about their defensive depth. Although the team has experienced options such as Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konate and Joe Gomez, injuries and contract situations have raised alarm bells.
Van Dijk’s contract is in its final year, the club have yet to agree a new deal with him, and Konate’s knee injury since November has left the backline stretched thin.
Adding to his worries, Joe Gomez, who has been in outstanding form, picked up another injury during Liverpool’s 5-0 thrashing of West Ham. This injury will rule him out for a number of games, including crucial games against Manchester United and Tottenham, leaving the Reds thin at the back.
Young talent Jarell Quansah has shown promise, but Liverpool are keen to secure a long-term solution. Signing Guehi would not only address their immediate concerns, but also provide a solid foundation for the future.
Marc Guehi: The most wanted midfielder in the Premier League right now
Liverpool are not the only club fighting for Guehi. Newcastle United made several bids for the defender last summer, offering close to £65m. However, Crystal Palace rejected the bids, valuing Guehi at closer to £70m.
Reports suggest Newcastle are preparing to renew their interest in January, with club director Paul Mitchell personally interested in securing the defender’s services.
Apart from the Magpies, Manchester United and Chelsea have also been linked with a move for Guehi. The Red Devils are reportedly willing to pay a hefty sum for him in a bid making him his first signing under Ruben Amorim.
With a number of clubs expected to be in the running for Guehi, Liverpool will face stiff competition, however, according to a recent report The Sun suggests, the player has made Anfield his top preference, giving the Reds a boost in their pursuit.
The European giants are in talks with Liverpool to sign the star on loan in January
