Liverpool urged to make key signing ‘whatever the price’ and it’s not Alexander Isak
Liverpool have been urged to abandon their move for Alexander Isak in favour of signing Marc Guehi amid early-season defensive concerns.
The Reds have won their opening two Premier League matches as they start their title defence.
However, there have been worrying defensive signs in each, with Liverpool having to claw back the victory in both matches after surrendering two-goal leads – most recently against Newcastle United.
That comes after Arne Slot’s men gave up two leads to draw 2-2 with Crystal Palace in the Community Shield – eventually losing on penalties – meaning they’ve conceded six goals in three competitive games.
Liverpool urged to pay ‘whatever the asking price is’ for Marc Guehi
Liverpool’s headline pursuit this summer has been that of Newcastle striker Isak, with the Sweden international’s future still unclear as we head toward the end of the transfer window.
However, the Reds have also held a strong interest in Palace centre-back Guehi, going toe-to-toe with Newcastle again just as they are with Isak and did with Hugo Ekitike.
While the signing of Isak would be an incredible statement — not to mention giving Slot the depth he needs – there doesn’t seem to be any issues in attack right now.
At the back, it’s a different story, with the Reds sitting ninth for xG conceded (2.7, FotMob) after two games, while allowing 20 shots at Alisson’s goal.
Discussing Liverpool’s needs in the final days of the transfer window, talkSPORT host and Sky Sports icon Jeff Stelling believes full focus should be given to getting a deal for Guehi over the line.
“My biggest concern is what he [Slot] does with his defence,” Stelling said (26 August). “For me, whatever the asking price is for Marc Guehi, then for me Liverpool need to go out and buy him today.”
What is the latest on Liverpool’s pursuit of Marc Guehi?
Guehi has just one more year remaining on his contract at Selhurst Park, so if Crystal Palace are to receive a fee for his services, now is their last chance to do so at any significant level.
However, the Eagles don’t appear to be too concerned about money, having already sold Eberechi Eze to Arsenal recently.
Instead, Oliver Glasner has remained steadfast that Guehi will stay for this season in a claim that has been backed up by former Palace striker Clinton Morrison.
| Crystal Palace stats | Marc Guehi |
| Appearances | 159 |
| Goals | 8 |
| Assists | 4 |
| Trophies | 2 |
However, as reported by Football Insider transfer correspondent Pete O’Rourke (22 August), Liverpool remain in talks with Crystal Palace and are still ‘hopeful’ they can land the England international on a cut-price deal toward the end of the window.
It’s understood Palace are demanding £35million for Guehi, who has played the full 90 minutes as captain in each of Eagles’ four competitive games so far this season.