Marc Guehi ‘final Crystal Palace fixture set’ as Liverpool have transfer priority

Liverpool have been extremely active this transfer window, but Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi will be the final piece of the puzzle.

The Reds have made four major signings for Arne Slot, and Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak could potentially be another significant addition before the end of August.

Guehi has emerged as a target at Anfield, but Palace have remained adamant about their valuation of the centre-back.

With the England international’s contract expiring in 2026, it feels like a matter of time before the Eagles opt to cash in on him, and the 25-year-old’s final game for Oliver Glasner’s team may already be set.

Marc Guehi
Credit: Imago

Liverpool to push for Guehi transfer after FA Community Shield

Liverpool face Palace in the FA Community Shield on Sunday (10 August) at Wembley.

Slot could start with the trusted pairing of Ibrahima Konate and Virgil van Dijk, and Guehi will likely feature for the Eagles alongside Chris Richards and Maxence Lacroix in the backline.

Glasner will undoubtedly rely on his best players against the Reds, as the Austrian manager has the opportunity to win another trophy with the South London outfit.

Liverpool will subsequently prepare for their Premier League opener against Bournemouth at Anfield on 15 August, giving them a bit of time to seal a deal for Palace’s English centre-back.

Read More: Why Darwin Nunez experiment did not work out at Liverpool

Liverpool boss Arne Slot stares concernedly into the distance.
Credit: Imago

Slot needs more centre-backs at Anfield

While Slot will be delighted with Isak’s potential arrival at Anfield, the Dutch manager should push for another centre-back in L4.

The former Feyenoord head coach believes Ryan Gravenberch and Wataru Endo are capable of being deployed in the centre of defence if needed, but that is arguably a risky tactic.

Liverpool can’t go into next season with just Van Dijk, Konate and Joe Gomez as their established options.

PlayerAge
Van Dijk34
Konate26
Gomez28
Rhys Williams24
Centre-back options at Liverpool.

Rhys Williams is also at Slot’s disposal, but the 24-year-old was on loan at Morecambe FC in League Two last season.

Konate’s contract situation at Anfield leaves the Merseyside outfit with an evident priority to bolster their backline this summer.

Gomez’s consistent fitness issues at the Reds also aren’t encouraging, and it would not make sense for Richard Hughes to spend a significant sum before the end of August without addressing the issues in defence.

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