Liverpool succeeded in claiming three factors to start out their title defence, defeating Bournemouth on a frenetic night at Anfield.
Nevertheless, as cool as Arne Slot comes throughout, he’ll know full effectively that his Liverpool have loads of work to ply in the event that they hope to retain their Premier League crown whereas preventing for silverware throughout the marketing campaign’s varied different fronts.
Specifically, Liverpool have seemed uncovered in defence twice in a single week because the 2025/26 season kicked off, with the Cherries coming from two targets down earlier than Federico Chiesa’s final magic on Friday after Crystal Palace restored parity twice within the Group Defend earlier than happening to raise the trophy.
Although all of us hope to see higher steadiness at Liverpool over the approaching weeks, with the equilibrium restored, however whereas a brand new defender and the fluency between the central and deeper thirds left one thing to be desired, it is really the frontline which could obtain some consideration, with Alexander Isak determined to rival the spectacular Hugo Ekitike for that quantity 9 berth.
The newest on Isak to Liverpool
Liverpool’s pursuit of Newcastle United’s star striker continues to pull on. Isak is determined to finish a transfer to Merseyside and is on strike from Eddie Howe’s squad, however the Magpies are adamant they won’t sanction his departure with out signing appropriate replacements, and that has but to occur.
Provided that Anfield sporting director Richard Hughes has already seen a proper £100m supply, plus add-ons, rejected this month, Liverpool will solely make their transfer as soon as inspired by Toon officers. This has clearly not occurred but.
In fact, the problem is that Ekitike has began his Reds profession off in resounding vogue, scoring in each of his appearances for Liverpool up to now, and aiding towards Bournemouth too.
Hailed for his “good begin” to life in England by Sky Sports activities’ Jamie Carragher, Ekitike’s prolific opening to life as a Liverpool striker bodes effectively for the long run, and even tempers the necessity for a free-scoring centre-forward reminiscent of Isak, particularly with enhancements wanted in different areas.
And regardless of Liverpool signing younger centre-half Giovanni Leoni from Parma for a £26m charge final week, the hunt stays on for a high-level defender.
Liverpool nonetheless chasing defender
As per experiences from Spain, Liverpool stay centered on finishing a late-window deal for Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi this month, even with Steve Parish proving to be a troublesome negotiator.
Guehi, 25, has entered the ultimate 12 months of his contract at Selhurst Park, and regardless of hitches in discussions up to now, it is reported that Liverpool are closing in on touchdown the England worldwide for a £35m charge.
Whether or not FSG pull the troublesome deal off stays to be seen, however Guehi needs to affix, and issues are anticipated to come back to a head shortly.
Why Liverpool wish to signal Marc Guehi
Guehi has actually had an eventful begin to the recent marketing campaign, starring as Crystal Palace beat Liverpool to raise the Group Defend earlier than retaining a clear sheet at Stamford Bridge, albeit culpable for Eberechi Eze’s incredible free-kick being dominated out too.
And the concentration is going to proceed to shine on him if he completes a transfer to Liverpool, with these of a Reds persuasion positive to count on him to be the “monster in defence”, as commented by Palace reporter Bobby Manzi, that he has established a repute as whereas with the Eagles.
A sturdy centre-back with a high-level technical sport and a composed method that provides shades of 1 Virgil van Dijk, Guehi seems tailored for Liverpool, and the impression he makes on Slot’s squad might be fairly a factor.
Ekitike has earned the plaudits for his performances since swapping Eintracht Frankfurt for Liverpool, however Guehi has what it takes to get pleasure from a good finer begin to life at Liverpool, ought to Hughes and co handle to shut a deal within the coming weeks.
Marc Guehi’s Premier League Profession | ||
|---|---|---|
Season | Apps (minutes) | G/A |
25/26 | 1 (90′) | 0/0 |
24/25 | 34 (3060′) | 3/2 |
23/24 | 25 (2022′) | 0/1 |
22/23 | 37 (3329′) | 1/0 |
21/22 | 36 (3223′) | 2/1 |
Stats through Sofascore | ||
An completed Premier League defender who has now captained his facet towards two home trophies in a matter of months, Guehi is aware of the English scene effectively and will show to be the lacking piece within the puzzle for an Anfield facet questing for extra glory.
Ibrahima Konate’s future is up within the air, and he performed prefer it towards Bournemouth, with Carragher noting he was “everywhere” towards Andoni Iraola’s well-oiled and full of life outfit.
In distinction, Guehi proves a pillar of power and quietness for Palace, and if Slot can safe that model of the Three Lions star, he may show the cream of Liverpool’s switch window, outstripping Ekitike and making certain this membership advances towards the subsequent illustrious chapter.
FBref have recorded that Guehi ranks among the many high 11% of centre-backs throughout Europe’s high 5 leagues over the previous 12 months for shot-creating actions, the highest 10% for key passes and the highest 2% for by balls per 90, so he is not only a tough-tackling ‘monster’, however a cultured and Liverpool-fit defensive presence moreover.
Provided that Guehi is the whole package deal and has sufficient Premier League expertise to do it on the hhighest stage week in, week out, he would possibly simply show to be the reply to Slot’s points, reinforcing the backline whereas weaving collectively the fluency on the ball that may favour the likes of Ekitike and fellow recruit Florian Wirtz to find their ft.
In any case, it is paramount that FSG seal this deal, lest Liverpool discover themselves bought quick at important moments throughout the time period.
