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Jamie Carragher is not convinced that Liverpool will go back in for Marc Guehi, insisting that Arne Slot needs to find a long-term replacement for Ibrahima Konate instead.
Guehi was on the verge of joining Liverpool in the summer before Crystal Palace pulled the plug on the switch before the transfer window closed. The England international is out of contract this summer and has made it clear he will not sign a new deal.
Liverpool does retain an interest in Guehi but is likely to face hefty competition for the Palace captain. It emerged earlier this week that Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has identified Guehi as a potential target as he looks to improve his defense.
Liverpool's defensive issues have been evident this season with Konate in particular struggling, while Virgil van Dijk has not shown the same form of last season. Back-up options Joe Gomez and Giovanni Leoni have both had injury issues to deal with.
Reds legend Carragher believes Arne Slot should be prioritizing a replacement for France international Konate, whose contract is also due to expire at the end of the season.
"I’ve actually got a theory on Marc Guehi. I think Liverpool should have done a deal, and it’s blown up in its face," Carragher told the Echo of Glory podcast.
“But when Liverpool was going to do the deal for Marc Guehi, it wasn’t to come in and replace Konate, it was to provide competition, and fight for a place.
“I think with the form of Konate, I think Liverpool should be looking for someone to replace Konate and become first-choice, and that’s different."
Liverpool's weaknesses from set pieces have been real cause for concern for Slot, with his side having already conceded 24 times so far this term. In the entirety of last term, the Reds only shipped 41 goals.
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“Marc Guehi is a very good center-back, but he’s not as big as Konate. Liverpool has had a problem this season with set-pieces and long throws, so I’d find it strange to bring in a center-back smaller than the one you’ve got," Carragher added.
“In general play, I’m sure he will perform better than Konate, but I don’t know if Liverpool’s focus will change to someone who is six foot three, six foot four, maybe a long-term replacement for Virgil van Dijk.
“I’m intrigued, I’m just thinking would Guehi replace Konate rather than provide competition? But I think Liverpool needs two center-backs.”
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