The latest transfer news surrounding Anfield as a long-running saga takes a major twist
Marc Guehi has a whole host of potential suitors(Image: Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
The January transfer window has taken a significant turn for Liverpool, with the club receiving substantial news regarding a long-standing target. The Reds have yet to bring in any new first-team players this month and Slot was recently dealt the crushing blow that Conor Bradley will be sidelined for the rest of the season, adding to his concerns.
The absence of the Northern Irish star follows long-term injuries to Alexander Isak and Italian defender Geovani Leoni. The Reds have also had to cope without key players such as Jeremie Frimpong and Joe Gomez for extended periods this season.
Naturally, focus has shifted to Liverpool’s potential moves in the transfer market. Speaking at his press conference ahead of Saturday’s Premier League match against Burnley, Slot said: “Everyone is aligned about the challenges we face, not to say we are going to act but no-one has a different opinion on it. That is not to say we are going to act but we are all aligned.”
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The ECHO now examines a major development in the pursuit of Crystal Palace star Marc Guehi, while the Reds could potentially target another centre-back with years of Premier League experience.
Marc Guehi twist
Liverpool had agreed a £35 million deal to sign England star Guehi on deadline day in September, only for Palace to withdraw at the eleventh hour.
The collapse of the deal is thought to be due to Crystal Palace’s failure to secure a timely replacement before the transfer window closed. Palace manager Oliver Glasner, who has confirmed his departure from Selhurst Park at the end of the season, was also reportedly against the move.
However, it seems there may be a twist in the tale for Liverpool, with rumours that Guehi has now been offered a contract by Premier League rivals Manchester City.
With only six months remaining on his contract at Palace, the club is understandably reluctant to let the England international leave on a free transfer in the summer. Reports suggest that City have intensified their pursuit of Guehi as they grapple with their own defensive injury woes.
It’s believed that the Citizens have also tabled a bid to Palace, rumoured to be around £30m. This could mean that City snatch another target from Liverpool this month, following their successful acquisition of Antoine Semenyo earlier in January.
Liverpool’s next signing
Given the likelihood of Guehi joining City and Ibrahima Konate’s contract expiring in the summer, Liverpool will need to make moves to bolster their defence.
There are several potential candidates that the Reds could consider as they search for a partner for Virgil van Dijk, and possibly even a long-term successor for the 34-year-old captain.
One potential target could be Tottenham Hotspur’s Micky van de Ven, with the defender appearing to be an ideal fit for Liverpool. The 24-year-old has settled in well and established himself as one of the Premier League’s finest defenders since his arrival from Wolfsburg in 2023.
The lightning-quick centre-back is still under 25, already has three seasons of top-flight experience in England, and can fill in at left-back when needed. His acquisition could be a straightforward decision for Slot, though he might cost the Reds approximately £65m according to Transfermarkt.
The Dutch international has even been advised to explore new opportunities, preferably at a “bigger club”, by former Aston Villa striker Gabby Agbonlahor.
“I feel sorry for him in the sense that he deserves to be playing at a bigger club. He won’t stay at Spurs,” the ex-Villa forward told talkSPORT. That destination could well be Liverpool if the Reds are prepared to spend the necessary funds for the star, who is understood to have three and a half years remaining on his Spurs contract.
Slot might also consider Borussia Dortmund centre-back Nico Schlotterbeck. The German defender’s deal expires in 2027 and he has yet to commit his long-term future to the club.
Dortmund may now look to capitalise on his value rather than risk losing him for nothing. Liverpool could be encouraged to make a move for the 26-year-old, given that long-standing suitors Bayern Munich are reportedly out of the running for his signature, as per German publication BILD.
Schlotterbeck has racked up an impressive 144 appearances for Dortmund, notching eight goals and providing a remarkable 18 assists.
Dortmund’s sporting director, Sebastian Kehl, conceded that there’s been no significant progress with their key defender. He said: “We will continue to talk. But otherwise, to be honest, there’s no new information at the moment. It’s clear that we want to continue. But no decision has been made yet.”
