Liverpool Eye Fresh Move for Premier League Defender as Deadline Nears

As the transfer window draws to a close, Liverpool appear to be reigniting their interest in Crystal Palace centre-back Marc Guehi, with head coach Arne Slot reportedly pushing for late reinforcement at the back. Despite headlines dominated by Liverpool’s chase of Newcastle forward Alexander Isak, sources say defensive recruitment is still very much alive — and Guehi sits atop the list.

The 25-year-old England international has been on Liverpool’s radar for several transfer windows now. But with less than a month to go before the 2025/26 Premier League season kicks off, the urgency has heightened. Slot, who is set to begin his first full season in charge of the Reds, is said to be deeply concerned about the depth and reliability in central defence.

Liverpool’s backline, once known for its composure and resilience, has come under scrutiny in recent months. Injuries and inconsistent performances from key figures like Ibrahima Konaté and Joe Gomez have left fans and pundits alike questioning the club’s long-term defensive setup. The departure of Jarell Quansah on loan has only increased the urgency for reinforcements.

Enter Marc Guehi. The former Chelsea academy graduate has quietly become one of the Premier League’s most consistent centre-backs since his move to Crystal Palace. Known for his calmness under pressure, positional intelligence, and leadership qualities, Guehi checks all the boxes for what Liverpool appear to be lacking.

Transfer expert and former Manchester United scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Liverpool have never taken their eyes off Guehi. “All the noise has been around Isak lately,” he said. “But Liverpool still rate Guehi incredibly high. He could easily walk into that starting XI and bring the defensive assurance they need.”

Adding fuel to the speculation is the belief that Guehi himself is open to the move. Despite interest from several top Premier League and European clubs, insiders believe that the player prefers a switch to Anfield. This could give Liverpool an edge in negotiations, especially as the window edges toward deadline day chaos.

Arne Slot, for his part, is thought to be heavily involved in the recruitment process. The Dutch manager has already begun reshaping the team tactically, but to bring those ideas to life, he needs players who can execute with precision — and that’s where Guehi’s Premier League experience becomes invaluable.

In parallel to potential arrivals, Liverpool are also managing outgoings. One of the biggest names in the shop window is Darwin Núñez. The Uruguayan striker, signed amid great fanfare just two years ago, appears not to be in Slot’s long-term plans. Talks with Napoli earlier in the summer reportedly collapsed, but the club is still listening to fresh offers.

This dual approach — refining the defence while reshaping the attack — points to a major strategic shift under Slot. Rather than go for quantity, Liverpool seem to be targeting key profiles to balance their squad across all areas of the pitch. Guehi fits that mould perfectly.

Still, time is not on Liverpool’s side. With just a few weeks left in the window, the club must move fast if they are serious about securing the England international’s signature. Palace are under no obligation to sell, and Guehi’s contract runs until 2027, meaning any deal would likely require a significant fee.

Liverpool fans should brace themselves for a hectic finish to the transfer window. With interest in Guehi ramping up, the next few days could determine whether he becomes Arne Slot’s newest defensive general — or another name that got away.

Stay tuned as this story develops — and expect more twists before the window slams shut.