Marc Guehi, a ball playing centre-back who fits the bill for his suitors this summer

Dela

Marc Guéhi has been a man in demand for over 12 months now.

Having impressed for England at Euro 2024, the centre-back was linked with a host of clubs, including a return to Chelsea.

Newcastle United had three bids rejected during the summer transfer window with the Magpies keen to bring the Palace skipper to St James’ Park. Spurs then reportedly had an offer worth £70million turned down late on in the January transfer window. Tottenham’s bid was alleged to be made up of £55million up front with a further £15million in add-ons. In the end, Ange Postecoglou had to settle for Kevin Danso on loan.

*Guéhi player traits – comparison against centre backs in top five European leagues*

Now, though, it appears Marc Guehi might be leaving Selhurst Park for a reduced fee. With just 12 months remaining on his deal and no interest in extending his stint with the club, the FA Cup winners could be forced to accept a fee in the region of £50million for their captain, if reports are to be believed.

Initially, Guéhi was being courted by the top two in the country from last season; Liverpool and Arsenal. However, recent reports suggest the England international wants to move to Anfield ahead of the Emirates and it is now a one-horse race.

This isn’t the first time the Reds have been linked with a move for the soon-to-be 25-year-old. He was rumoured to be on Liverpool’s radar 12 months ago and the club have seemingly kept tabs on his situation and looked to capitalise on this opportunity.

There is an argument that he’s a necessity rather than an opportunity though.

The Premier League champions have already sold Jarell Quansah this summer to Bayer Leverkusen while Ibrahima Konaté is into the final 12 months of his deal and is expected to leave on a free transfer at the end of the new season.

A move for Guéhi future-proofs the centre-back position for Arne Slot.

He can come in and play alongside Virgil van Dijk if required. He also allows Liverpool to manage the minutes of their skipper, with Guéhi comfortable on the left-side of a back two. The former Chelsea academy player is also an experienced leader, something the Reds lack when their No. 4 isn’t in the team.

Guéhi ticks a lot of boxes for the Reds.

He also profiles like a former target too. Liverpool, according to multiple reports, wanted Dean Huijsen.

The Dutch-born Spain international didn’t profile as someone the Reds would’ve usually targeted. He was weak in the air but brilliant in possession. Guéhi is the same.

Those at Anfield might feel on-ball ability is currently the most important trait for a centre-back to possess in a Slot team rather than their aerial dominance.

*Guéhi’s defensive numbers per 90, Premier League 2024/25*

For a little context, Guéhi was involved in 3.71 aerial duels per 90 last season with a 54% success rate. Ibrahima Konaté involved himself in a similar number of aerial duels but was victorious in 72% of his. Virgil van Dijk, meanwhile, was involved in 4.5 aerial duels with a success rate of 72%.

You’d notice the difference if you swapped out Konaté for Guéhi. Physically, you’d be weaker for it.

But Liverpool can’t be too bothered by this. They’d not be in for him if they had any concerns at all. And even if they did have a few concerns, there’s a lot to like about Guéhi and you’d be tempted to ignore any amber flags.

He’s homegrown, versatile and experienced.

Stylistically he’s similar to Van Dijk. Both right-footed left-sided centre-backs. Both like to play big switches out from the back. Both are leaders for their respective sides. Both love a long ball. Both played their way to the top rather than starting off there.

Last term, Guéhi ranked 13th amongst outfield players for long-passes attempted in the Premier League. In 11th position was Van Dijk. The Liverpool man had a higher success rate (67% to 55%) but in terms of statistical profile, their output and profile isn’t that dissimilar at all.

The Crystal Palace No. 6 is decent at carrying the ball out from the back, completing 85% of his attempted dribbles, so there’s a bit of prime Joe Gomez about him. He also won a decent number of duels, finishing the season with a 60% success rate. The appeal, though, is no doubt his use of the ball.

Guéhi is a progressive and aggressive in possession. Slot wants his players to be purposeful. Sometimes you need that sort of thing from your centre-back. It is even more important to have someone who can pass through the thirds now that Trent Alexander-Arnold has departed.

The Palace skipper isn’t a game-changer of a signing but he is someone who allows you to maintain a certain level and style. The Reds have already made a host of signings this summer but a move for Guéhi might be the smartest play they made all year.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

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