Liverpool scouts recommending ‘Rolls Royce’ Premier League defender as Marc Guehi alternative
Liverpool are in the market for a new centre-back with a new name at the top of their summer shortlist.
It’s no secret that Arne Slot tried to sign Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi in the summer only for the deal to fall through in the window’s final hours.
And with no guarantees Guehi agrees to join Liverpool next year, the Reds have been forced to cast a wider net.
Interestingly, according to Football Insider sources, although Guehi may not end up at Anfield next year, one of his teammates could.
Liverpool big fans of Crystal Palace’s Maxence Lacroix
Maxence Lacroix has been a hot topic inside Liverpool’s recruitment department in recent weeks.
Sources have told Football Insider that Liverpool scouts have described the 25-year-old Frenchman as ‘a Rolls Royce’ defender.
There is firm belief Lacroix is up there with the Premier League‘s best centre-backs and his relative under-the-radar status makes him an even more attractive option.
Despite being a well-established name in the Crystal Palace squad, Lacroix has yet to make his senior France debut.
There is belief he has an outside chance of making Didier Deschamps’ Les Bleus squad in time for the 2026 World Cup, though.
Lacroix joined Palace from Wolfsburg just over 12 months ago in a deal worth around £18million and has a contract which runs until 2029.
Lacroix this season is up there with Virgil Van Dijk
Even though the likes of Guehi and Jean-Philippe Mateta take the plaudits, since the start of the season, Lacroix has been crucial to Palace’s performances and results.
The Eagles are the only Premier League team yet to be beaten, domestically, and their defence, of which Lacroix commands, has conceded just three league goals.
Liverpool are aware of the Frenchman’s impact and believe he could be the ideal centre-back partner for Virgil Van Dijk next season.
Lacroix’s defensive stats this season are well up with there with the country’s best, including Van Dijk.
The Palace No. 5 is one of the toughest defenders to beat when it comes to ground duels; winning nine tackles and just as many interceptions.
His performances are not going unnoticed with Liverpool’s recruitment team pushing him to the forefront ahead of the summer transfer window.