Liverpool told ex-Man City defender has 'everything you want' amid Marc Guehi transfer doubts

Liverpool has been given a potential alternative option to Marc Guehi as the Crystal Palace defender continues to be linked with some of the Reds' rivals in the January transfer window

Liverpool boss Arne Slot with Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola(Image: Getty Images)

Liverpool has been told former Manchester City defender Manuel Akanji should be an option as doubts continue over a transfer for Marc Guehi.

The Reds’ defensive woes continued this week as Conor Bradley picked up what looked to be a serious injury during the dying stages of Thursday’s game against Arsenal, with the Northern Ireland’s predicament not helped by Gabriel Martinelli’s reaction.

Although Joe Gomez has returned from his own injury, Liverpool is short on options at the back. Giovanni Leoni is also expected to miss the remainder of the season after rupturing his ACL, meaning Arne Slot will have to stretch his resources unless the club dips into the January transfer market.

Guehi could be an option, with Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner having opened the door to a potential exit for his captain. Liverpool of course came close to signing the England international during the summer, although it looks set to face some added competition now.

Reports have been suggesting that City may now lead the race for Guehi’s signature, while Arsenal is said to have thrown its hat into the ring this week, meaning Liverpool may have to look at alternatives.

Former Red Stephane Henchoz believes he knows the ideal option, having touted former City defender Manuel Akanji for a move to Anfield.

Manuel Akanji joined Inter Milan on loan from Manchester City in the summer(Image: )

The Switzerland international left the Etihad in the summer to join Inter Milan on loan, with the Italian club holding the option to make the deal permanent. Henchoz - who spent six years at Liverpool after joining the club in 1999 - feels he’d be perfect for the Reds.

“Manuel Akanji would be an interesting option for Liverpool,” Henchoz told Hajper.

“He has proven his ability in the Premier League with Manchester City, despite a slightly difficult last season due to injury.

“He is 30, which is not old for a center-back, and he has a good injury record. I have watched him playing for Inter Milan and the Swiss national team since he left City, and he still has the necessary attributes.

“He possesses everything you want in a center-back: pace, power, intelligence, good reading of the game, and comfort in possession. Crucially, he knows the Premier League, which is a big advantage for a January transfer. When signing a player in the winter window, you need someone who can fit in and perform immediately. Akanji meets those needs.

“Therefore, if Liverpool cannot secure their first-choice target, Akanji would definitely be an interesting alternative.”

Liverpool.com says: We’re not as convinced as Henchoz on this one. Firstly, you’d imagine City wouldn’t have let Akanji go to Inter unless he was expected to make that move permanent.

Secondly, even if he did return to City in the summer, paying a fee for a player who will be 31 by the time next season rolls around doesn’t seem like the smartest bit of business, and you wouldn’t expect City to sell to one of its rivals in any case.