Liverpool’s ‘final decision’ on Guehi January move revealed

Liverpool have reportedly decided against moving for Marc Guehi in the January transfer window and will only look to sign him for free next summer.

The Reds ended the last transfer window having spent more than £400m, setting a new Premier League record for expenditure.

Though Arne Slot’s side added a number of stars to their squad, there was disappointment that the club failed to bring in Guehi from Crystal Palace.

The Merseysiders were close to securing his signature on deadline day on September 1 for £35m, but despite the defender only having a year left on his contract, Palace did not allow him to leave.

While some fans are hopeful that Liverpool will make a move to sign Guehi in January, The Times report that the Reds have decided to wait until his deal expires, adding that the negotiations over a new contract for Konate are at an impasse amid interest from Real Madrid in signing him for free next summer.

Could Liverpool sign Marc Guehi in the January transfer window?

Slot will have four centre-backs to choose from for the rest of the season, with Konate, Virgil van Dijk, Giovanni Leoni and Joe Gomez representing his options in central defence.

It would be surprising if Leoni played a significant role in league and European fixtures given he is just 18, but leaving him out of the starting XI could force Gomez and Konate to play more minutes than their bodies can handle.

The pair have suffered numerous injuries over the course of their careers, and while Konate did play 31 top-flight matches in 2024-25, he had previously never played more than 22 league games in a single season.

It is important to note that Liverpool were knocked out of the Champions League last term in the round of 16, meaning many of the club’s key stars did not have to play twice a week, but that could change if they progress further this term.

Should one of Slot’s defenders suffer an injury between now and the January window, it would not be surprising if they reassessed their stance on not signing Guehi in the winter.

How important is Ibrahima Konate to Liverpool in the Premier League title race? 

Reds legend Jamie Carragher has praised Konate for his defensive nous on the right flank, but he has also suggested that the centre-back is yet to prove that he can lead the line in the manner of Van Dijk.

The Frenchman is an expert channel defender, and his skillset has been important considering opposition teams have often targeted his side due to Trent Alexander-Arnold’s weaknesses at the back.

Current right-backs Jeremie Frimpong and Conor Bradley are not expert defenders themselves, but there is an argument that their willingness to contribute out of possession has lessened the need for Konate.

If Liverpool can agree an extension with the 26-year-old, then they will ultimately be in a strong position next season from which to challenge for the title.

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