Former Liverpool defender John Arne Riise has theorised that the club could finally secure the signing of Crystal Palace centre-back Marc Guehi when the transfer window reopens next month.
Defensive Crisis Forces Liverpool's Hand
Riise's comments come as Liverpool grapple with a significant defensive injury crisis. The situation has worsened since the summer, when a deadline day move for the 25-year-old England international fell through after Palace called off the deal.
The Reds' defensive resources have been severely depleted. Ibrahima Konate was a notable absentee from preparations for the match against Wolves on December 27, while Joe Gomez has suffered a fresh injury setback, rejoining summer signing Giovanni Leoni in the treatment room.
Leoni, a £26 million arrival from Parma, saw his debut season cruelly ended by a knee injury during the Carabao Cup victory over Southampton in September. This has left manager Arne Slot with alarmingly few fit options to partner captain Virgil van Dijk.
Riise Points to Potential 'Mutual Agreement'
Riise, a 2005 Champions League winner with Liverpool, has now publicly speculated that the groundwork for a January deal may already be in place. "I was so disappointed that Marc Guehi didn't sign for Liverpool in the summer," Riise stated.
"But I wouldn't be surprised if they had a mutual agreement that it would go ahead in January," he added. "I hope he does because he's the type of player I would like to see fighting with Konate for a position next to Virgil van Dijk."
The Norwegian's theory is given further weight by Liverpool's on-pitch defensive struggles. Konate, who has been Van Dijk's primary partner this campaign, has faced criticism for inconsistent performances against sides like Bournemouth, Newcastle United, and Leeds United.
Slot's Cautious Stance on January Business
Despite the clear need for reinforcements, manager Arne Slot has been typically reserved when discussing potential January signings. The situation is complicated by Guehi's contract status, as his Palace deal expires in the summer, allowing him to discuss pre-contract terms with foreign clubs from January.
Slot recently emphasised the club's prudent financial model. "The outside world wants to believe we have unlimited money but that is not true," the Dutchman said. "You insiders know – and you are the only ones because the outside world only talks about our spending – what we have brought in (money) to spend."
He defended the approach, adding: "That is the way we work over here. You then have to accept that in certain games during a season you are short of a right full back. But we are still able to win. I fully believe in that way of working, by the way."
Nevertheless, the escalating injury crisis and Konate's own history of fitness issues may force Liverpool's hand, making a renewed move for Guehi a logical and increasingly necessary step to maintain their Premier League title challenge.
