Liverpool Receive Advice to Pursue Manchester City Defender After Guehi Disappointment
Liverpool have been encouraged to consider a move for Manchester City defender Manuel Akanji after their hopes of signing Marc Guehi were definitively ended. The Reds' pursuit of the England international has collapsed, with City securing a cut-price £20 million deal for the Crystal Palace star.
Defensive Concerns Highlighted After Bournemouth Defeat
Liverpool's need for defensive reinforcement was further exposed during their recent 3-2 defeat at Bournemouth. The performance highlighted vulnerabilities in central defence that manager Jurgen Klopp will be keen to address during the current transfer window.
According to former Liverpool defender Stephane Henchoz, Akanji represents an ideal solution to the Reds' defensive problems. The Swiss international, currently on loan at Inter Milan from Manchester City, possesses all the attributes needed to strengthen Liverpool's back line.
Guardiola's Previous Praise for Akanji's Abilities
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola previously lavished praise on Akanji following his arrival from Borussia Dortmund in 2022. The Spanish tactician was particularly impressed with how quickly the defender adapted to City's tactical demands.
"The movement defensively and offensively, he executes it perfectly," Guardiola said. "This is a gift for the manager. Some players, you have to explain 10 times or train 10 times to show what you are thinking or what you want to do."
Guardiola continued: "This guy needed just one training session and he got it. The movement he has to do as a full-back, the high pressing, he didn't train once, and he did it perfectly. With the ball, he is a magnificent player."
Henchoz Advocates for Akanji Move
Henchoz, who made over 200 appearances for Liverpool between 1999 and 2005, believes Akanji would be an excellent acquisition for his former club. Speaking to Hajper, the former Switzerland international outlined why the 30-year-old defender represents such an attractive option.
"Manuel Akanji would be an interesting option for Liverpool," Henchoz stated. "He has proven his ability in the Premier League with Manchester City, despite a slightly difficult last season due to injury."
The former defender highlighted several key attributes that make Akanji particularly suitable for a January transfer:
- Premier League experience and familiarity with English football
- Strong physical attributes including pace and power
- Excellent reading of the game and defensive intelligence
- Comfort in possession and ability to build from the back
- Proven track record at the highest level
Henchoz emphasised: "When signing a player in the winter window, you need someone who can fit in and perform immediately. Akanji meets those needs. Therefore, if Liverpool cannot secure their first-choice target, Akanji would definitely be an interesting alternative."
Akanji's Current Situation and Future Prospects
Despite falling out of favour at Manchester City earlier this season, Akanji has impressed during his loan spell at Inter Milan. His performances for both club and country have demonstrated that he retains the qualities that initially attracted Guardiola's attention.
The defender himself has addressed speculation about his future, firmly ruling out a return to Manchester City during the current transfer window. Following Inter Milan's Champions League defeat to Arsenal, Akanji stated: "No, there was no possibility of me returning to City."
However, he left the door open for future developments, adding: "The earlier question was about whether I'd return in the winter and I said no. What happens at the end of the season is not only up to me, but I'm very happy here and I hope it can continue. We'll see what happens."
Transfer Strategy Considerations for Liverpool
Liverpool's recruitment team now faces important decisions regarding their defensive targets. With Guehi no longer available, alternative options must be evaluated carefully. Akanji's combination of Premier League experience, tactical versatility, and proven quality makes him a compelling candidate.
The Swiss defender's ability to operate both as a centre-back and full-back provides valuable flexibility for Klopp's tactical system. His experience in winning major trophies, including being part of Manchester City's Treble-winning squad in 2023, adds valuable winning mentality to his credentials.
As the transfer window progresses, Liverpool's pursuit of defensive reinforcements will continue to develop. The advice from respected former players like Henchoz adds weight to the argument that Akanji could represent an intelligent solution to Liverpool's defensive requirements.
