Liverpool has reportedly identified former Chelsea defender and current Crystal Palace standout Marc Guehi as a potential replacement for Joel Matip, who is facing a season-ending injury.
During the previous summer transfer window, Liverpool was linked with various central defenders, including Levi Colwill and Goncalo Inacio. However, they refrained from adding a new center-back to their squad.
Nevertheless, as per the Mirror, Liverpool has now shifted their focus to securing a center-back signing following Matip’s anterior cruciate ligament injury. The club is interested in acquiring Guehi, who spent significant time in Chelsea’s esteemed youth setup from 2007 to 2019, to fill the void left by the Cameroonian.
Despite Liverpool’s interest, Crystal Palace appears reluctant to part ways with the player during the current January transfer window. However, they might consider selling the 23-year-old Englishman ahead of the upcoming season.
Guehi, who joined Crystal Palace in a deal potentially worth up to £20 million from Chelsea in 2021, has made 104 starts out of 106 appearances for the Eagles so far. Additionally, he has contributed five goals and two assists during his time with the club.
Jürgen Klopp delivers a message to Liverpool’s stars ahead of their upcoming clash against Chelsea in the cup final.
Earlier on Wednesday (January 24), Liverpool secured their spot in the EFL Cup final after a 3-2 aggregate victory over Fulham in the semi-finals. The Reds managed a 1-1 draw in the second leg at the Cottagers’ home ground.
In his post-match remarks, Liverpool’s manager, Jürgen Klopp, expressed his delight, emphasizing the significance of reaching the final. Klopp stated (quoted by Metro):
“It is fantastic. We had the experience before, we know what to expect. It’s outstanding, it’s fantastic, it’s fantastic for our people. Again Chelsea, wow, what a story that is. For tonight, I told the boys you should never take for granted that you’re part of a club that can win trophies, that means you have to qualify for finals, and we are the lucky ones who are part of it.”
Looking ahead to the EFL Cup final against Chelsea at Wembley Stadium on Sunday (February 25), Klopp emphasized the determination of his players:
“These boys want to win, these boys want to qualify for big, big finals, and we did tonight, it’s absolutely special. Everything great about the Carabao Cup final, the only problem is it’s in the middle of the season. We cannot focus on that final. Around that, we have to be focused on all the other competitions as well. Wembley is a special place, and I am happy for everyone involved.”
Liverpool has a solid track record against Mauricio Pochettino’s side, having won seven of their last 15 encounters and lost only twice during this period.
