With only two fit centre-backs currently available, Liverpool’s need to strengthen their options is no secret, but there is no guarantee this will happen in January.
The Athletic reported after Christmas that the club are “planning a quiet month”, and while they have the “freedom to respond”, Liverpool are not expected to make any major moves.
It put the eventual return of Guehi’s signature in doubt as while interest remains in bringing him to Anfield, Crystal Palace are not expected to sanction a sale.
And BBC’s Sami Mokbel, who has been reporting extensively on the centre-back’s future since the summer, has since reported that he is expected to serve out the final six months of his contract.
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Mokbel claims that “interested parties may be tempted to put forward their plans” to sign Guehi this winter, but “as things stand” he will finish the season at Palace.
Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, Barcelona, Atletico Madrid and Inter Milan have all shown varying degrees of interest, with Man City and Liverpool being Premier League contenders.
Speaking on BBC’s Football Focus, Mokbel stressed that Guehi has “so many options in the summer”, with Liverpool set to be “back in the mix” as the 25-year-old leaves Selhurst Park.
Guehi has been an ever-present for Palace so far this season. He made 28 appearances, scoring three goals and assisting a further four, with only the goalkeeper playing more minutes.
Guehi’s response to Liverpool’s collapse has won him admirers
Guehi was in Liverpool club kit and finalizing his move to Anfield when the call came that his transfer would not be signed off.
He later brushed off the disappointment when asked about it in the media, and it is this professionalism in doing his job that Mokbel believes has led to more clubs showing their interest.
“He has delivered week in and week out,” Mokbel said. “The way he has reacted to Liverpool’s failed transfer has meant that a number of clubs have now come to the fore and think this is the kind of character we want.
“He did himself a great favor this season because he wanted to go to Liverpool, but he has put that behind him and he has had a brilliant season so far.”
Liverpool will be watching with great interest, but you’ll be hard-pressed to find a supporter who doesn’t believe they need a centre-back in January, be it Guehi or someone else.
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