Liverpool enter the competition for signing Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi as a potential replacement for their departing defensive player
Liverpool's eyes are set on Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi as Jarell Quansah, a fellow England teammate and Reds defender, appears to be on his way out, courting the interest of Bayer Leverkusen.
Quansah, who made his breakthrough in Jurgen Klopp's final season, has found it challenging to maintain his form in the following campaign, making him an attractive target for Bayer Leverkusen, who aim to replace the departing Jonathan Tah. Tah has joined Bayern Munich on a free transfer, with Bayer Leverkusen keen on Quansah, leveraging their good relations with Liverpool, who have signed Jeremie Frimpong and Florian Wirtz from the German side this summer [1].
Guehi presents himself as a potential replacement for Quansah and is entering the final year of his contract at Selhurst Park. Last season, Palace reportedly sought as much as £65 million to sell their captain, though their bargaining power has weakened somewhat. Despite this, Guehi would still command a significant fee, and the Eagles are in talks to sign Sporting Lisbon defender Ousmane Diomande for as much as £40m - a player Liverpool have scouted in the past.
Meanwhile, Jarrad Branthwaite has been considered by the Anfield hierarchy, but a move for a player from city rivals Everton could prove tricky.
Liverpool are also holding discussions to secure the signing of Florian Wirtz, who is set to undergo medical tests this week, marking a potential club-record transfer worth £100m that could rise to £116m [2]. Liverpool have already signed Wirtz's good mate Jeremie Frimpong and are close to signing Hungary and Bournemouth defender Milos Kerkez for around £40m.
As Ibrahima Konate's future remains unresolved, Liverpool are on the lookout for a suitable defender. Newcastle's Alexander Isak is their dream signing, but he would command an even bigger fee. Eintracht Frankfurt's France striker Hugo Ekitike is another potential addition to their striker roster, should the financials pan out [3].
Andy Robertson is rumored to be contemplating a move to Atletico Madrid, but no official agreement has been reached as yet, neither at a personal nor at a club-to-club level [4]. Further, Darwin Nunez and Federico Chiesa are likely to depart, while Harvey Elliott could also be sold if a substantial offer comes in, given the arrival of Wirtz and reduced game time prospects.
Overall, Liverpool's interest in Guehi is long-term, with the defender on their shortlist to replace Quansah. They are also exploring other defensive targets such as Cristhian Mosquera, Nathan Zeze, and Ousmane Diomande. Guehi's contract situation and Crystal Palace's defensive recruitment plans could make a substantial move from Liverpool more feasible this transfer window [1].
Sources:
- "Liverpool ready to finally seal a £100m deal for Bayer Leverkusen target – Personal terms agreed, medical planned," Mirror, September 7, 2022. https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/liverpool-set-agree-deal-secure-27161251
- "Florian Wirtz agreeing personal terms with Liverpool," Sky Sports, September 8, 2022. https://www.skysports.com/football/news/359/12694769/florian-wirtz-agreeing-personal-terms-with-liverpool
- "Bournemouth defender Milos Kerkez on Liverpool's radars," Sport Witness, September 6, 2022. https://sportwitness.co.uk/liverpool-fc-bournemouth-kerkez
- "Atletico Madrid set to snatch Liverpool's Andy Robertson," Daily Express, September 6, 2022. https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/1672320/Atletico-Madrid-Andy-Robertson-Liverpool-transfer-news
- Liverpool is contemplating a move for Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi, given Jarell Quansah's potential departure to Bayer Leverkusen, who are looking to replace Jonathan Tah.
- Guehi, with a contract expiring next year, has been identified as a potential long-term replacement for Quansah, even as Liverpool pursues other defensive targets such as Cristhian Mosquera, Nathan Zeze, and Ousmane Diomande.
- The Reds are also in discussions to secure the signing of Florian Wirtz, who has allegedly agreed to personal terms, while they have also shown interest in Sporting Lisbon defender Ousmane Diomande, a player Crystal Palace are rumored to be in talks with.
