By Sam McGuire
Having impressed for England at Euro 2024, the centre-back was linked with a bunch of golf equipment, together with a return to Chelsea.
Newcastle United had three bids rejected through the summer season switch window with the Magpies eager to deliver the Palace skipper to St James’ Park. Spurs then reportedly had a proposal value £70million turned down late on within the January switch window. Tottenham’s bid was alleged to be made up of £55million up entrance with an additional £15million in add-ons. Ultimately, Ange Postecoglou needed to accept Kevin Danso on mortgage.
Now, although, it seems Marc Guehi could be leaving Selhurst Park for a lowered charge. With simply 12 months remaining on his deal and little interest in extending his stint with the membership, the FA Cup winners could possibly be compelled to simply accept a charge within the area of £50million for his or her captain, if studies are to be believed.
Initially, Guéhi was being courted by the highest two within the nation from final season; Liverpool and Arsenal. Nevertheless, current studies counsel the England worldwide desires to maneuver to Anfield forward of the Emirates and it’s now a one-horse race.
This isn’t the primary time the Reds have been linked with a transfer for the soon-to-be 25-year-old. He was rumoured to be on Liverpool’s radar 12 months in the past and the membership have seemingly stored tabs on his state of affairs and appeared to capitalise on this chance.
There’s an argument that he’s a necessity somewhat than a possibility although.
The Premier League champions have already bought Jarell Quansah this summer season to Bayer Leverkusen whereas Ibrahima Konaté is into the ultimate 12 months of his deal and is predicted to go away on a free switch on the finish of the brand new season.
A transfer for Guéhi future-proofs the centre-back place for Arne Slot.
He can are available and play alongside Virgil van Dijk if required. He additionally permits Liverpool to handle the minutes of their skipper, with Guéhi comfy on the left-side of a again two. The previous Chelsea academy participant can also be an skilled chief, one thing the Reds lack when their No. 4 isn’t within the crew.
Guéhi ticks a variety of bins for the Reds.
He additionally profiles like a former goal too. Liverpool, in keeping with a number of studies, wished Dean Huijsen.
The Dutch-born Spain worldwide didn’t profile as somebody the Reds would’ve often focused. He was weak within the air however sensible in possession. Guéhi is similar.
These at Anfield would possibly really feel on-ball skill is at present an important trait for a centre-back to own in a Slot crew somewhat than their aerial dominance.
For a little bit context, Guéhi was concerned in 3.71 aerial duels per 90 final season with a 54% success fee. Ibrahima Konaté concerned himself in an identical variety of aerial duels however was victorious in 72% of his. Virgil van Dijk, in the meantime, was concerned in 4.5 aerial duels with a hit fee of 72%.
You’d discover the distinction in case you swapped out Konaté for Guéhi. Bodily, you’d be weaker for it.
However Liverpool can’t be too bothered by this. They’d not be in for him if that they had any considerations in any respect. And even when they did have just a few considerations, there’s lots to love about Guéhi and also you’d be tempted to disregard any amber flags.
He’s homegrown, versatile and skilled.
Stylistically he’s much like Van Dijk. Each right-footed left-sided centre-backs. Each wish to play large switches out from the again. Each are leaders for his or her respective sides. Each love an extended ball. Each performed their technique to the highest somewhat than beginning off there.
Final time period, Guéhi ranked thirteenth amongst outfield gamers for long-passes tried within the Premier League. In eleventh place was Van Dijk. The Liverpool man had the next success fee (67% to 55%) however when it comes to statistical profile, their output and profile isn’t that dissimilar in any respect.
The Crystal Palace No. 6 is respectable at carrying the ball out from the again, finishing 85% of his tried dribbles, so there’s a little bit of prime Joe Gomez about him. He additionally gained a good variety of duels, ending the season with a 60% success fee. The enchantment, although, is little doubt his use of the ball.
Guéhi is a progressive and aggressive in possession. Slot desires his gamers to be purposeful. Generally you want that form of factor out of your centre-back. It’s much more essential to have somebody who can move by the thirds now that Trent Alexander-Arnold has departed.
The Palace skipper isn’t a game-changer of a signing however he’s somebody who permits you to preserve a sure stage and magnificence. The Reds have already made a bunch of signings this summer season however a transfer for Guéhi could be the neatest play they made all 12 months.
(Cowl picture from IMAGO)
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