Bid lodged: Liverpool take a major step forward in the chase for their priority January target.
Liverpool have made a formal bid to sign Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi in the January transfer window, according to a reliable source on X.
The report states that the Premier League champions have offered £25m plus add-ons for the 25-year-old centre-back. The move comes as Liverpool look to strengthen their defense midway through the season after a poor start to their title defense.
Defensive struggles force Liverpool into the market
In 12 league games, Arne Slot’s side have conceded 20 goals—the highest among the top 12 clubs in the Premier League. With six defeats in their last seven matches, Liverpool have slipped into the bottom half of the table.
Key defensive issues have been exposed this season, with both Ibrahima Konate and Virgil van Dijk struggling. Contract uncertainty surrounding Konate and the ageing factor affecting Van Dijk mean a new centre-back is a pressing need for the second half of the campaign.
Although the Premier League title may now be out of reach, Liverpool still have opportunities in other competitions such as the Champions League and FA Cup, where a signing like Guehi could make a real impact.
Guehi nearly joined Anfield in the summer, but Crystal Palace blocked the move despite him completing a medical. With his contract at Selhurst Park running until 2026 and the defender unwilling to extend, Liverpool see January as the chance to secure his signature.
Guehi leads Liverpool’s defensive shortlist
While Guehi is the priority, Liverpool are also monitoring other options, including Nico Schlotterbeck (Borussia Dortmund), Goncalo Inacio (Sporting CP), and Antonio Silva (Benfica). The England international stands out for his game intelligence, consistency, and leadership—qualities that could immediately strengthen Liverpool’s backline.
At 25, Guehi is entering the peak of his career but still has room to develop. A successful January move would provide Liverpool with a dependable defensive presence for the remainder of the season.
