Liverpool have held internal discussions about the possibility of signing Crystal Palace centre-back Maxence Lacroix, The Daily Mail reports via Caught offside.
Liverpool were heavily linked with a late move for Marc Guéhi during the summer window, but the deal fell through on deadline day after Crystal Palace were unable to secure a replacement.
Although the England international has often attracted attention within Palace’s defence, Lacroix has since deservedly earned a reputation as one of the Premier League’s standout defenders through his consistent performances at Selhurst Park.
The former Wolfsburg centre-back has completed every minute of Palace’s campaign so far, with two assists and just two bookings, while playing a key role in Oliver Glasner’s side keeping an impressive seven clean sheets.
Citing the Daily Mail, CaughtOffside reports that Lacroix has become a target for Liverpool, with the Premier League champions now discussing the possibility of signing the centre-back internally.
The report adds that the Frenchman’s athleticism, aggression and pace are seen as a fit for Arne Slot’s defensive high line, although he is not the only option the Reds are monitoring.
Liverpool should prioritize Guehi over Lacroix
In addition to his qualities, Liverpool’s interest is also necessitated by the uncertainties surrounding Ibrahima Konaté’s future at Anfield, as well as his injury and inconsistent performances, making a move for a new centre-back now increasingly likely, with Lacroix now being monitored, the report said.
With Virgil van Dijk approaching 35 next summer, his athletic edge is no longer at its peak, while Joe Gomez has endured a dip in form. The prolonged absence of young centre-back Giovanni Leoni, sidelined by an anterior cruciate ligament injury suffered during his Carabao Cup debut against Southampton, increases the need to recruit another defender.
Lacroix fits the profile, offering composure in possession, strong tackling, authority in the air, keen reading of the game and the pace to stop counter-attacks.
That said, it’s worth noting that while Lacroix is still adapting to the demands of English football, Guéhi has already established himself as one of the Premier League’s most reliable centre-backs.
Guéhi’s Premier League pedigree – featuring in more than 180 top-flight games – combined with the prospect of signing him on a free transfer, unlike Lacroix, who would likely cost well in excess of his £30 million Transfer market rating, makes him the better option for the Reds to pursue.
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