Liverpool could eye up a move for Marc Guehi following the season-ending injury to Joel Matip, but any transfer will come with complications.
According to Team Talk, Liverpool are set to chase Marc Guehi in January to replace the injured Joel Matip. The Reds will likely have to shelve their other plans and focus on a new centre-back, but signing the Crystal Palace star will prove a complicated and expensive affair.
Jurgen Klopp wanted a new central defender in the summer for good measure, as their current situation has put them in a difficult position. The season-ending injury to Joel Matip will force Liverpool to shelve their plans to shore up other areas and focus on bringing in a new centre-back.
Matip has been their starting centre-back alongside Virgil van Dijk, but they have Ibrahima Konate as cover. Beyond him, only Joe Gomez can play that role in the team, but he’s been busy covering at full-back at times, with Liverpool very much short at the back in different areas.
When asked about the potential arrival of a central defender in January, Klopp categorically ruled out a signing, suggesting he does not see any clubs selling a top defender in January. He said, “I don’t think so”. It all costs money; it must be the right player. Tell me a club that wants to sell a top, top, top centre-half”.
Klopp does have a point, as there are only options in the window that Klopp would like if there’s someone available on loan. With the Matip situation, Liverpool also have a chance to plan a succession for the Cameroonian, with his contract expiring in the summer.
Hence, someone like Marc Guehi makes sense, as they held an interest back in the summer. Palace are not keen on selling their key star in mid-season, but they could come under increasing pressure to keep hold of the defender.
Guehi remains open to joining former side Chelsea but pointed out he might stay put at Palace to continue playing regularly and not harm his chances with England ahead of the Euros. However, the opening at Liverpool could tempt the £50 million-rated Premier League star over a move, as he can cement a regular place for now and the future at Anfield.
Meanwhile, if Guehi does become an option, Liverpool might lose out on long-term target Goncalo Inacio, who remains open to a Premier League move. With Matip’smatip’s injury, Klopp would focus on a right-footed defender, with Jean-Clair Todibo also a reported target.
As for Guehi, he will cost a lot if Liverpool enter the conversation. With Palace not keen on a sale, the Merseysiders will have to make a compelling offer to convince them, and the player remains eager to protect his England chances and not give up regular football.
