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Liverpool must prioritize securing a new center-back partner for Virgil van Dijk during this summer transfer window.
That's the view of club legend Mark Lawrenson, who has called on the Premier League winner to concentrate on defensive reinforcements rather than chasing Alexander Isak. Liverpool has invested around $400 million into its squad this summer on Hugo Ekitike, Florian Wirtz, Milos Kerkez, Jeremie Frimpong, Giovanni Leoni, Armin Pesci, and Freddie Woodman.
However, the Reds continue to be active in the market, with Newcastle striker Isak and Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi being their primary two objectives. They witnessed an offer turned down for Isak at the beginning of August, but may yet come back with another proposal before Monday's window deadline.
Meanwhile, discussions over Guehi have stalled, with Palace refusing to entertain his departure until after Thursday's second leg of its Conference League playoff against Fredrikstad.
Liverpool's backline has appeared fragile, with both Bournemouth and Newcastle finding the net twice in their opening Premier League games after Crystal Palace enjoyed comparable success in the Community Shield.
Ibrahima Konate has endured difficulties and faced criticism from Jamie Carragher following Monday's thrilling 3-2 victory over the Magpies.
Former Reds defender Lawrenson shares similar concerns about Konate, who has been Van Dijk's established partner since his arrival from RB Leipzig in 2021.
"Yeah I was concerned [about the defence], but I think everybody is at the moment," Lawrenson told talkSPORT. "Van Dijk needs another partner doesn't he? Because the French boy (Konate) is all over the place, he's making all sorts of mistakes.
"But don't forget they've got different players playing at the back right now, so it's not particularly good, but it will get better – it's the way Liverpool are. And there is still a chance that if they need to sign somebody, then the transfer market is still open."
Guehi has reached the final year of his Palace deal and remains keen on a switch to Liverpool, though several obstacles persist.
Palace will only conduct business following its Conference League game, after securing a replacement, and once its asking price is satisfied.
"We all thought about a week ago that was happening, but I think Palace are saying that he has to stay," Lawrenson added. "But money changes things, and the transfer window doesn't close until next Monday, and I'm sure there are going to be loads of deals done before that."
Palace rate Guehi at £45 million ($60.8 million), while Liverpool refuse to exceed £35 million ($47.3 million) for the England international. Oliver Glasner's club has examined Manchester City's Manuel Akanji, Rennes' Jeremy Jacquet, and Toulouse's Jaydee Canvot as potential replacements.
Liverpool welcome Arsenal in the Premier League on Sunday in an early clash between two prospective title challengers. That represents the final fixture before the transfer window shuts and the international break commences in September.
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