Liverpool’s transfer activity is gathering pace as Arne Slot looks to push his side back up the English Premier League table following a poor start to the season.
Last year’s Marc Guéhi saga ultimately ended with the Crystal Palace captain staying put, despite strong interest from several European heavyweights, including Liverpool, Manchester City, Barcelona, and Bayern Munich.
It was the Premier League champions who came closest, with a £35m bid reportedly agreed before Palace pulled out of the deal. A rejected £70m offer from Tottenham later underlined Guéhi’s importance to the club.
Guéhi edging towards an exit?
At just 25, Guéhi has established himself as one of the Premier League’s standout defenders, while also demonstrating strong leadership qualities within a Crystal Palace side arguably punching above their weight.
His performances have earned him regular England involvement, and he will hope to raise his profile further at the top level as he pushes for a place in Thomas Tuchel’s World Cup squad this summer.
Recent reports suggest that Real Madrid are among the suitors ready to bid for Guehi.
Guéhi has already watched high-profile moves for Michael Olise and Eberechi Eze materialise, while his own transfer fell through. As a result, he may now look to secure a move of his own sooner rather than later.
The centre-back’s contract expires at the end of the season, and he has reportedly informed Palace that he does not intend to renew. Clubs risk missing out if they wait until then, which has contributed to the growing interest from Merseyside.
Manchester City’s defensive injury problems have also made them potential suitors, with both Ruben Dias and Josko Gvardiol currently sidelined. However, Liverpool’s long-standing interest could prove more appealing.
Future planning already underway
Liverpool’s recruitment plans extend beyond the current campaign, with reports suggesting an agreement has been reached to sign 17-year-old Mor Ndiaye.
The left-sided Senegalese centre-back has impressed in his homeland’s second division with Amitié FC, a club owned by former Premier League striker Demba Ba.
Ndiaye started all four matches for Senegal at the recent Under-17 World Cup in Qatar and would link up with former Wales boss Rob Page in Liverpool’s Under-21 setup.
A lack of senior defensive options has already forced Slot to turn to youth, with Wellity Lucky and Amara Nallo both handed first-team appearances. That pathway could see Ndiaye integrated into the senior squad sooner than initially expected.
READ NEXT: Fulham vs Chelsea picks, predictions, how to watch
