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Liverpool is in need of a new center-back this January, irrespective of the club's plans to potentially sign Marc Guehi at the season's end.
The Reds were in a race against time to secure the 25-year-old on deadline day, but the deal fell through as Crystal Palace couldn't find a replacement in time. It's believed Liverpool had agreed to a £35 million ($47 million) deal for Guehi from the Eagles.
While Palace's manager Oliver Glasner and chairman Steve Parish were engaged in a tug-of-war over the Premier League star's future, he was undergoing a medical in London. Eventually, Parish realised that losing two key players didn't make sense, leading him to call off the deal with the Reds.
Although Parish could reduce Guehi's price tag come January, it's understood that Liverpool is unlikely to resume negotiations, given his contract is set to expire in the summer, making him a free agent.
However, there's no certainty that the defender will land at Anfield. From January, overseas clubs can initiate pre-contract discussions with Guehi; the Reds, along with all other domestic clubs, must wait until he enters the final month of his contract.
Therefore, with Arne Slot in search of a new ball-playing center-back, here is a list of four players that the Liverpool manager might consider.
Ousmane Diomande
Ousmane Diomande was reportedly pinpointed as Guehi's replacement at Selhurst Park during the summer.
The 21-year-old defender, who recently aided Sporting Lisbon in securing consecutive domestic league titles, was strongly linked with a host of Premier League clubs.
Antonio Silva
The Portuguese top-flight is currently brimming with talent.
Antonio Silva turned heads with his performance for Benfica at the Club World Cup in the United States, and he's another young center-half on the cusp of making a big impact.
Jan Paul van Hecke
If Slot is keen to bring in someone with a touch of Premier League experience, then Liverpool should consider Jan Paul van Hecke.
The Brighton defender, who only has two years remaining on his contract at the Amex Stadium, could elevate his game at Anfield.
The only issue with Van Hecke is that he favors playing on the left of a center-back pairing. So, instead of being an alternative to Guehi, he'd initially serve as a backup for Virgil van Dijk and, theoretically, one day partner Ibrahima Konate or Giovanni Leoni.
Castello Lukeba
Castello Lukeba might come with a hefty price tag, having extended his contract at RB Leipzig in October 2024, but he has immense potential.
The 22-year-old has recently emerged as one of the most promising young defenders in the Bundesliga.
Playing as a right center-back, he'd provide Jeremie Frimpong with the freedom to push forward. However, standing at roughly six feet tall, Lukeba could be targeted by strikers who relish an aerial battle.
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