What awaits Liverpool in the 2024/25 season?
Could the team be celebrating trophy wins on a bus parade through the streets of Liverpool?
Regardless of future outcomes, Arne Slot’s Liverpool has likely secured at least one trophy, holding a significant 15-point lead over Arsenal in the Premier League with only two months remaining. A collapse from this position would be highly improbable and disappointing.
The outcomes of the PSG game and the Carabao Cup final will become clearer soon. In the first leg against PSG, while Alisson received deserved accolades, Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate were also commendable for their strong defensive performance, limiting PSG’s attacking opportunities.
Despite their strong partnership, Liverpool’s management, FSG, aims to reinforce the center-back position. Let’s explore the reasons behind this decision.
Why Liverpool are Targeting a Central Defender
Liverpool anticipates a busy summer transfer window. So far, Arne Slot has only added Federico Chiesa, and goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili is expected to join this summer after a deal was agreed in 2024.
Sources indicate that Liverpool are seeking a new left-back and a top-tier central defender, potentially as a successor for Van Dijk in the long term.
Van Dijk, along with Mohamed Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold, has been a standout performer in Europe this season, acting as Liverpool’s inspirational leader and one of the best defenders of his generation.
While securing Van Dijk for the remainder of his prime is seen as crucial, Liverpool must also plan for the future.
Van Dijk will turn 34 this summer. Although he maintains high quality, intelligence, and experience, FSG aims to invest in a new defender while also extending Van Dijk’s contract.
Konate, meanwhile, is nearing the end of his contract, and renewal negotiations have been prolonged amidst reported interest from PSG and Real Madrid.
Liverpool Leading the Pursuit for Premier League Star
Reports suggest Liverpool are leading the race to sign Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi, who is also approaching the final year of his contract. Tottenham Hotspur and other London clubs are also interested.
Last summer, Newcastle United had bids for Guehi rejected, with the highest exceeding £65m. Crystal Palace are expected to demand around £80m this summer.
It remains to be seen if Liverpool will meet such a high valuation. While Crystal Palace may be aiming high, FSG will likely try to negotiate a lower fee if they prioritize this transfer.
What Marc Guehi Offers to Liverpool
Marc Guehi, 24, is a sought-after talent by top Premier League clubs. Joining Liverpool’s defense could elevate him to a superstar level.
Liverpool have been monitoring Guehi for some time, with discussions about a potential transfer held last summer.
Guehi moved from Chelsea to Crystal Palace three years ago for £18m and has since played 145 games, scoring eight goals.
He has developed into a strong defender with excellent ball-playing abilities, making him suitable for a top club like Liverpool.
Despite Crystal Palace’s inconsistent season, Guehi has been a consistent performer.
He has been praised as a ‘top professional and a phenomenal talent’.
Data indicates Guehi’s consistent strength in the Premier League, even with some injury setbacks.
Guehi shows improvements in key areas. His attacking contributions and forward-thinking playstyle are similar to Konate’s, with data analysis highlighting their comparability.
This makes Guehi a potentially ideal signing for Liverpool – a player who could eventually succeed Van Dijk but also possesses the athleticism and energy to complement Liverpool’s current defensive lineup. A versatile and dynamic defender.
Analyst Ben Mattinson describes Guehi as a versatile center-back comfortable on either side, a trait shared with Van Dijk.
Vihaan Mehrotra