Liverpool are intensifying their search for a new centre-back following the departure of Jarrell Quansah and are set to battle Tottenham Hotspur for their top defensive target.
Quansah’s £35 million exit to Bayern Leverkusen earlier in the window may have brought in Liverpool’s highest fee of the summer, but it has left a void in Arne Slot’s defensive options. With just three senior centre-backs available, the Reds are keen to bolster their backline ahead of the new season.
Ibrahima Konaté and Virgil van Dijk formed a rock solid partnership last campaign, conceding only 41 goals in 38 games, but Konaté only has one year left on his contract and there’s growing uncertainty of a renewal. Meanwhile, Joe Gomez has not featured competitively since February due to a hamstring injury, raising concerns over depth and fitness.
Liverpool’s interest has turned to Marc Guehi, but their path to securing the Crystal Palace centre back is far from straightforward with Tottenham reigniting their pursuit of the player.
The Chelsea academy graduate has become one of the Premier League’s most consistent and commanding defenders during his time at Selhurst Park. Last season he captained Palace to a historic FA Cup triumph and earned plaudits for his standout performances at Euro 2024, where he featured prominently in England’s run to the final.
Liverpool’s admiration for Guehi is no secret. The club hold him in high regard, viewing him as a Premier League-proven player capable of slotting seamlessly into their defensive setup. With Konaté entering the final year of his contract and having reportedly turned down an initial extension offer, reinforcing the heart of the defence is becoming a top priority.
However, Spurs’ interest has complicated matters. Having had a £75 million bid rejected in January, the North London club are now weighing up a fresh approach.
Their recent Europa League success under former manager Ange Postecoglou means they can offer the 25-year-old Champions League football this season, a potential lure that Liverpool must contend with. While no formal offer has yet been made by Tottenham, the club has not ruled out making another move for the Palace defender.
Still, Liverpool remain in the driving seat. The Telegraph suggests that if Guehi leaves Selhurst Park this summer, Liverpool are the frontrunners to secure his signature. However, Palace’s stance remains firm — they are under no pressure to sell and are expected to reject any offers below £50 million, but a significant bid could test their resolve.
Speaking on Sky Sports, David Ornstein gave his perspective.
“We know Liverpool are keen on him at the right price. Palace would be looking to cash in rather than face losing him for free.”
Hugo Ekitike is set to complete a £79 million move from Eintracht Frankfurt this week, but Arne Slot’s summer spending spree may not end there. The club is rebuilding with ambition and precision, having already brought in Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez to strengthen their full-back options, and added Georgian goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili as back-up.
While the champions are prepared to be patient and could even wait to sign Guehi on a free in 2026, they remain alert to any sign that Palace might be willing to negotiate a discounted deal this summer. BBC’s Sami Mokbel says “there is a deal to be done”, suggesting Liverpool could move quickly if the opportunity arises.
Ultimately, Guehi would be a shrewd signing — young but experienced, and with leadership qualities to match. But with Spurs lurking and Palace holding firm, Liverpool may need to act decisively if they want to win the race for one of England’s finest defenders.
