Liverpool didn’t look particularly convincing in their 4-1 win over Barnsley on Monday evening, but they are into the fourth round of the FA Cup, now 11 games unbeaten in all competitions.
This has been a difficult campaign in many ways for the Anfield side, and it’s clear that Arne Slot will not retain his Premier League title will not be retained after such dismal autumnal form.
Liverpool cannot fail in their bid for Champions League qualification, and the Reds faithful will expect convincing run at silverware in the FA Cup and Champions League.
But with injuries laying waste to Liverpool’s defensive depth, it’s felt that cover is needed before the January transfer market is up.
Whether FSG acquiesce after last summer’s spending spree is another matter.
Liverpool's January transfer plans
Liverpool do not plan on doing anything drastic in the winter market, even with Conor Bradley ruled out for the remainder of the campaign after injuring his knee in the draw at Arsenal.
The performances have not matched the results that have steadied the ship over the last month, and Liverpool now need reinforce Slot’s squad, lest one more defensive setback topple this fragile side like a house of cards.
According to Sky Germany, a move for Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi cannot be ruled out, even with Anfield chiefs against the prospect of a winter bid for a star whose contract expires at the end of the season. Indeed, it’s reported that the Reds are “pushing” for a summer move instead.
The Eagles would be looking for something in the ballpark of £35m, perhaps higher, for the 25-year-old Guehi, who is also being courted by Arsenal and Manchester City, as well as a host of elite suitors abroad.
City are ready to pounce this month, though, so Liverpool’s hand may be forced.
Why Liverpool should sign Guehi this month
Last summer, Liverpool had Guehi strapped in for a new career on Merseyside, but had to unbuckle their prospective signing after a deadline-day deal collapsed at the eleventh hour. Crystal Palace had failed to sign a successor in time.
Liverpool welcomed many exciting additions to the club last year, but Guehi might have been the most important of all, especially given how Ibrahima Konate has played for much of the season, especially across the early months.
Now, with Bradley’s absence set to deepen Liverpool’s defensive problems, the England international is required more sorely still, for he would add substance and options to the ranks.
Bradley is a fantastic player, but he’s struggled for fitness across each of his three seasons at Liverpool since breaking into the first team, and with Jeremie Frimpong having already missed a portion of the season with injury, Liverpool surely cannot sell themselves short over the looking business months.
Guehi is not a right-back, but he would help stabilise and enrich the backline. Joe Gomez, after all, is now back-up across two positions, and his track record leaves much to be desired too.
Conor Bradley’s Liverpool Stats by Season
Season
Apps
Minutes
25/26
21
1,209′
24/25
23
1,505′
23/24
29
1,385′
Data via Transfermarkt
Gomez will now jockey for a place with Frimpong, but, indeed, he will have to provide cover in the centre too, and should injury befall either Konate or Virgil van Dijk with Guehi not in the mix, Slot may not be able to salvage things.
Subscribe for sharp Liverpool transfer insight Get deeper context by subscribing to our newsletter: expert analysis of Liverpool’s transfer plans, injury-driven defensive gaps, and how signings like Guehi could affect their FA Cup and Champions League bids.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
From a technical standpoint, the one-time Chelsea prospect would also add much to the ranks, ranking among the top 5% of defenders across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for shot-creating actions and the top 12% for progressive passes per 90, as per data-led platform FBref.
Analyst Raj Chohan also asserted last year that the £50k-per-week talent’s “decision-making on and off the ball is immense”, underscoring a leve, of composure that has not been seen under Slot’s wing all that often this year.
Liverpool seem ready to adapt and make do, but if City’s interest in Guehi is real, this is surely high time for a change of track, and a bid for Guehi must be tabled this month.
For him to fall into enemy hands is one thing, but Guehi’s involvement for the remainder of the season could prove the difference-maker in the quest for silverware and a successful finish to what is proving a tough campaign.
Slot's new Trent: Liverpool in talks to sign "best CM prospect in the world"
Liverpool have earmarked central midfield as a position to improve in 2026.
ByAngus Sinclair