‘Marc Guéhi to join Liverpool in days’ after £35m transfer agreement
Liverpool look set to reinforce their defence ahead of next season.
Virgil van Dijk proved he is still the best centre back in the Premier League last season as he led Liverpool to their second Premier League title.
Ibrahima Konaté partnered the Dutchman for the majority of the campaign as the Reds boasted the second-best defence in the league, with only Arsenal conceding fewer goals than the champions.
This has not stopped Arne Slot from looking to strengthen this position over the summer, and with one centre back already on his way out of Anfield, signing a defender is now a priority.
Jarell Quansah to join Bayer Leverkusen in £35million deal
Jarell Quansah saw a significant decrease in playing time during Slot’s title-winning campaign compared with Jürgen Klopp’s last season in charge at Anfield.
As reported by Fabrizio Romano via X (22 June), Bayer Leverkusen have agreed to sign the centre-back for an initial £30m plus £5m in add-ons.
The Reds also have a buy-back clause in place if they wish to bring Quansah back to Anfield in the future.
| Jarell Quansah stats | Under Klopp (2023/24 season) | Under Slot (2024/25 season) |
| Appearences | 17 | 13 |
| Starts | 13 | 4 |
| Total minutes played | 1189 | 496 |
This sale means Liverpool can now pursue their priority targets, with Crystal Palace defender, Guéhi, on the shortlist.
As reported by Romano via X on Friday (20 June), as soon as the Quansah deal is complete, Liverpool will move for another centre-back.
Therefore, now that a deal with Leverkusen is in place, the Reds could move for Guéhi in days, which is especially important when Konaté’s uncertain future is taken into account.
Guéhi would be an outstanding signing for Liverpool
With Guéhi, Slot would be buying an England international who is proven to be able to handle the demands of Premier League football.
Signing a player of the 24-year-old’s ability also gives Slot the option to go to a back five next season, which could get the best out of Jeremie Frimpong.
If Slot opts to continue to play a back four, then no other side in the league will have three centre backs better than Liverpool, as Konaté and Guéhi will likely be the pair battling to partner van Dijk.
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