Liverpool might risk losing out on a transfer target this month, as a Premier League rival has reportedly begun talks with the player. David Ornstein of The Athletic stated on Friday that Newcastle has initiated negotiations with Crystal Palace for Marc Guehi, taking the lead over other interested clubs by being the first to engage in ‘meaningful’ discussions.
Last month, Fabrizio Romano mentioned that Liverpool had conducted several scouting missions for the 24-year-old. However, David Anderson of The Mirror suggested that the England defender isn’t currently a priority for Anfield.
Despite mixed reports about Guehi’s potential move to Liverpool, if he’s a player Richard Hughes wants, the Reds’ sporting director might need to act quickly. Newcastle seems to be in the lead for a defender whom Michael Beale, his former Chelsea academy coach, described as an ‘absolute gem’ (Sky Sports).
With uncertainties surrounding Joe Gomez and Sepp van den Berg’s futures, Liverpool could find themselves short on center-back options. Guehi, with his high-level experience and youth, could be an ideal fit for Arne Slot, as suggested by former Everton chief Keith Wyness (Football Insider). At 24, he combines experience with potential and wouldn’t impact Liverpool’s non-homegrown player quota for domestic and European squads.
One possible hesitation for Liverpool could be the assumption that Virgil van Dijk will always start when available, meaning Guehi might not want to be a backup. This could hinder the development of 21-year-old Jarell Quansah, who has excelled since joining the first team.
If Liverpool’s reluctance to pursue Guehi stems from prioritizing Quansah’s development, it’s understandable. However, they must consider whether they might regret not securing Guehi if he moves to Newcastle and performs exceptionally well.
