{"id":221190,"date":"2025-06-28T11:22:18","date_gmt":"2025-06-28T11:22:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/221190\/"},"modified":"2025-06-28T11:22:18","modified_gmt":"2025-06-28T11:22:18","slug":"marc-guehi-would-be-perfect-signing-for-liverpool-centre-back-vacancy-liverpool-fc","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/221190\/","title":{"rendered":"Marc Guehi would be perfect signing for Liverpool centre-back vacancy &#8211; Liverpool FC"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>\t\t\t\t\t<b>Liverpool\u2019s interest in Marc Guehi is nothing new, but the likelihood of the <a data-ail=\"323210\" target=\"_self\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thisisanfield.com\/liverpool-fc\/crystal-palace\" rel=\"noopener\">Crystal Palace<\/a> captain signing for the champions has just stepped up significantly.<\/b><\/p>\n<p>With <a data-ail=\"323210\" target=\"_self\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thisisanfield.com\/liverpool-fc\/jarell-quansah\/\" title=\"Jarell Quansah\" rel=\"noopener\">Jarell Quansah<\/a> departing for Bayer Leverkusen and doubts over <a data-ail=\"323210\" target=\"_self\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thisisanfield.com\/liverpool-fc\/ibrahima-konate\/\" title=\"Ibrahima Konate\" rel=\"noopener\">Ibrahima Konate<\/a>\u2018s contract situation, Guehi is considered the prime candidate as <a data-ail=\"323210\" target=\"_self\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thisisanfield.com\/liverpool-fc\/richard-hughes\/\" title=\"Richard Hughes\" rel=\"noopener\">Richard Hughes<\/a> and <a data-ail=\"323210\" target=\"_self\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thisisanfield.com\/liverpool-fc\/arne-slot\/\" title=\"Arne Slot\" rel=\"noopener\">Arne Slot<\/a> plot a new addition at centre-back.<\/p>\n<p>It is easy to see why, too: Guehi ticks almost every box as the ideal defensive signing in a transfer window that could cement Liverpool\u2019s status as the best team in England for years to come.<\/p>\n<p>Firstly, the financial logistics of the deal have landed favourably for Liverpool.<\/p>\n<p>Guehi is into the final year of his contract at Palace, who are actively pursuing a successor in Sporting CP\u2019s Ousmane Diomande, which not only telegraphs their desire to sell but also a ballpark asking price.<\/p>\n<p><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" data-lazy-type=\"image\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/2025-02-09-311-Plymouth_Liverpool-600x400.jpg\" alt=\"PLYMOUTH, ENGLAND - Sunday, February 9, 2025: Liverpool's Jarell Quansah applauds the supporters after the FA Cup 4th Round match between Plymouth Argyle FC and Liverpool FC at Home Park. Plymouth won 1-0. (Photo by David Rawcliffe\/Propaganda)\" width=\"600\" height=\"400\" class=\"lazy lazy-hidden alignnone size-medium wp-image-323220\"  \/><\/p>\n<p>With Diomande, previously on Liverpool\u2019s radar, valued at around \u00a340 million, Liverpool could feasibly expect to do business for a similar fee if they step up their interest in Guehi.<\/p>\n<p>Given Quansah\u2019s switch to the Bundesliga will bring in a similar fee at up to \u00a335 million \u2013 with a buy-back clause in place for around \u20ac60 million (\u00a351.3m) \u2013 it is clear the funds will be there for his replacement.<\/p>\n<p>But while Quansah had emerged from the academy as a hugely promising young defender, rightly earning the exposure he did as alternate to Konate, Guehi is considerably ahead in his development.<\/p>\n<p>\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Youth and experience<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-lazy-type=\"image\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/2025-05-17-057-FA_Cup_Final-1-600x400.jpg\" alt=\"LONDON, ENGLAND - Saturday, May 17, 2025: Crystal Palace's captain Marc Gu\u00e9hi during the FA Cup Final between Crystal Palace FC and Manchester City FC at Wembley Stadium. Crystal Palace won 1-0. (Photo by Harry Murphy\/Propaganda)\" width=\"600\" height=\"400\" class=\"lazy lazy-hidden alignnone size-medium wp-image-323217\"  \/><\/p>\n<p>That comes despite the England international only being set to turn 25 in mid-July, while Quansah is only two-and-a-half years younger and celebrates his 23rd birthday next season.<\/p>\n<p>A product of <a data-ail=\"323210\" target=\"_self\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thisisanfield.com\/liverpool-fc\/chelsea\" rel=\"noopener\">Chelsea<\/a>\u2018s youth system, Guehi was marked as one to watch early on and was part of the England side to win the U17 World Cup in 2017 as well as reaching the final of the U17 Euros months previous.<\/p>\n<p>Two seasons on loan at Swansea, working under England U17s coach Steve Cooper and alongside the likes of Conor Gallagher, <a data-ail=\"323210\" target=\"_self\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thisisanfield.com\/liverpool-fc\/rhian-brewster\/\" title=\"Rhian Brewster\" rel=\"noopener\">Rhian Brewster<\/a> and, briefly, Viktor Gyokeres, then earned him his \u00a318 million move to Palace.<\/p>\n<p>Now, almost six years on from his debut, Guehi has played 216 games of senior club football while making 23 appearances for the England national team.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-lazy-type=\"image\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/2024-11-17-161-England_Ireland-600x400.jpg\" alt=\"LONDON, ENGLAND - Sunday, November 17, 2024: England's Conor Gallagher (2nd from L) celebrates with team-mate Marc Gu\u00e9hi (C) after scoring the third goal during the UEFA Nations League Group B2 game between England and Republic of Ireland at Wembley Stadium. England won 5-0. (Photo by David Rawcliffe\/Propaganda)\" width=\"600\" height=\"400\" class=\"lazy lazy-hidden alignnone size-medium wp-image-323207\"  \/><\/p>\n<p>He stood out as England\u2019s best defender at last summer\u2019s Euros before enhancing his reputation with another stellar campaign as Palace ended 2024\/25 by lifting the <a data-ail=\"323210\" target=\"_self\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thisisanfield.com\/liverpool-fc\/fa-cup\" rel=\"noopener\">FA Cup<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>While it may be a surprise to learn that there are less than three years between Guehi and Quansah, it may be even more of a surprise to learn that the Palace captain is over a year younger than Konate.<\/p>\n<p>The Ivory Coast-born defender is in the sweet spot between youth and experience, and though the miles and minutes in his legs may be considered wear and tear, he is still a long way from the natural peak of a top-level centre-back.<\/p>\n<p>\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>A modern, progressive centre-back<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-lazy-type=\"image\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/2024-06-25-141-England_Slovenia-1-600x400.jpg\" alt=\"COLOGNE, GERMANY - Tuesday, June 25, 2024: England's Marc Gu\u00e9hi during the UEFA Euro 2024 Group C match between England and Slovenia at the M\u00fcngersdorfer Stadium. The game ended in a goal-less draw. (Photo by David Rawcliffe\/Propaganda)\" width=\"600\" height=\"400\" class=\"lazy lazy-hidden alignnone size-medium wp-image-323268\"  \/><\/p>\n<p>His upbringing at <a data-ail=\"323210\" target=\"_self\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thisisanfield.com\/liverpool-fc\/chelsea\" rel=\"noopener\">Chelsea<\/a>, Swansea and finally Palace ensures Guehi fits the mould as a modern defender, too; comfortable in possession with the ability to break the lines and even create chances with his passing range.<\/p>\n<p>Of course his fundamental duties remain in defence, and he is a player who relishes one-on-one duels \u2013 in last season\u2019s <a data-ail=\"323210\" target=\"_self\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thisisanfield.com\/liverpool-fc\/premier-league\" rel=\"noopener\">Premier League<\/a> he ranked in the top eight percent of centre-backs for duels won (168 in total) and top 16 percent for aerial duels won (69).<\/p>\n<p>His speed makes him particularly effective in the recovery \u2013 for which he is in the top seven percent in the <a data-ail=\"323210\" target=\"_self\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thisisanfield.com\/liverpool-fc\/premier-league\" rel=\"noopener\">Premier League<\/a> \u2013 which would clearly suit a Liverpool side playing a high line.<\/p>\n<p>It could be argued that Guehi\u2019s height \u2013 at a shorter-than-average 6\u2032 for a centre-back \u2013 is the only real disadvantage to consider, but he more than makes up for it with his intelligence and ability on the ground.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-lazy-type=\"image\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/2023-12-16-102-Man_City_Crystal_Palace-600x400.jpg\" alt=\"MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - Saturday, December 16, 2023: Crystal Palace's Jean-Philippe Mateta (L) andf Marc Gu\u00e9hi celebrate after the FA Premier League match between Manchester City FC and Crystal Palace FC at the City of Manchester Stadium. The game ended in a 2-2 draw. (Photo by David Rawcliffe\/Propaganda)\" width=\"600\" height=\"400\" class=\"lazy lazy-hidden alignnone size-medium wp-image-304916\"  \/><\/p>\n<p>That intelligence extends to his approach off the pitch, with the 24-year-old a strong character who speaks well and would fit in easily within the current squad.<\/p>\n<p>If the existing order remains, with Konate as <a data-ail=\"323210\" target=\"_self\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thisisanfield.com\/liverpool-fc\/virgil-van-dijk\/\" title=\"Virgil van Dijk\" rel=\"noopener\">Virgil van Dijk<\/a>\u2018s first-choice partner, there is a feeling that Guehi would still enjoy considerable game time if he were to join Liverpool this summer.<\/p>\n<p>But it is in the forward-planning that both Guehi and Liverpool could see this is the ideal time to begin their association.<\/p>\n<p>\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Perfect for the squad<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-lazy-type=\"image\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/2025-05-17-058-FA_Cup_Final-600x400.jpg\" alt=\"LONDON, ENGLAND - Saturday, May 17, 2025: Crystal Palace's captain Marc Gu\u00e9hi during the FA Cup Final between Crystal Palace FC and Manchester City FC at Wembley Stadium. Crystal Palace won 1-0. (Photo by Harry Murphy\/Propaganda)\" width=\"600\" height=\"400\" class=\"lazy lazy-hidden alignnone size-medium wp-image-323205\"  \/><\/p>\n<p>Given the club are yet to reach a breakthrough in talks over a new deal for Konate, who like Guehi will see his current contract expire in 2026, and Van Dijk soon to celebrate his 34th birthday, succession will be at the forefront of Liverpool\u2019s defensive plans.<\/p>\n<p>It is easy to see Slot rotating between the trio of Van Dijk, Konate and Guehi more comfortably than he was with Quansah the third choice in his first season in charge, with a view to then cementing Guehi as a long-term first choice.<\/p>\n<p>Where that vision particularly suits Liverpool is in the changing makeup of their squad \u2013 and especially with respect to their homegrown quota.<\/p>\n<p>Liverpool\u2019s homegrown situation<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-lazy-type=\"image\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/P2025-05-11-Liverpool_Arsenal-18-600x400.jpg\" alt=\"LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Sunday, May 11, 2025: Liverpool's head coach Arne Slot during the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Arsenal FC at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe\/Propaganda)\" width=\"600\" height=\"400\" class=\"lazy lazy-hidden alignnone size-medium wp-image-321335\"  \/><\/p>\n<p><strong>Non-homegrown players (19):<\/strong> <a data-ail=\"323210\" target=\"_self\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thisisanfield.com\/liverpool-fc\/alisson\/\" title=\"Alisson\" rel=\"noopener\">Alisson<\/a>, Mamardashvili, Van Dijk, Konate, Robertson*, Kerkez, Tsimikas, Ramsay*, Mac Allister, Gravenberch, Wirtz, Szoboszlai, Endo, Salah, Diaz, Jota, Nunez*, Chiesa*, Gakpo<\/p>\n<p><strong>Homegrown players (12):<\/strong> Mrozek*, Davies*, Gomez, Williams*, Frimpong, Bradley, Beck*, Stephenson*, Morton* Jones, Elliott*, Balagizi*<\/p>\n<p><strong>Notable U21s:<\/strong> Pecsi, Nallo, Chambers, Scanlon, Bajcetic, McConnell, Nyoni, Doak, Gordon, Koumas, Danns<\/p>\n<p>* Likely to leave\n<\/p>\n<p>The departure of a number of their existing homegrown options, including Quansah, this summer means new additions are required that would meet the <a data-ail=\"323210\" target=\"_self\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thisisanfield.com\/liverpool-fc\/premier-league\" rel=\"noopener\">Premier League<\/a>\u2018s criteria.<\/p>\n<p>Guehi is not only eligible as homegrown, partly solving that dilemma, but also a genuinely top-tier centre-back with prove leadership qualities, the right level of experience and in a favourable position in terms of availability.<\/p>\n<p>Whether he is Liverpool\u2019s next Van Dijk or a fail-safe in their precarious talks over Konate\u2019s future, there are few better options \u2013 if any \u2013 out there than Palace\u2019s No. 6.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Liverpool\u2019s interest in Marc Guehi is nothing new, but the likelihood of the Crystal Palace captain signing for&hellip;\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":221191,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[4100],"tags":[94,763,79,16,15],"class_list":{"0":"post-221190","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-football","8":"tag-football","9":"tag-liverpool-fc","10":"tag-sports","11":"tag-uk","12":"tag-united-kingdom"},"share_on_mastodon":{"url":"","error":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/221190","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=221190"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/221190\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/221191"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=221190"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=221190"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=221190"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}