1 day ago
3
In contrast to previous years, Liverpool had a rather bustling conclusion to the summer transfer window.
The signing of Alexander Isak was confirmed on deadline day, and another new face nearly made it through the Anfield doors. Liverpool attempted to secure Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace, even reaching an agreement for a deal for the defender.
However, the move fell through in the final hours of the window after Palace failed to secure a replacement for the England star. This occurred despite Guehi undergoing a medical with the intention of becoming a Liverpool player. The defender's contract expires at the end of the season, and he is anticipated to be available on a free transfer next summer.
Liverpool was keen to sign a new center-back, even following the acquisition of Giovanni Leoni from Parma.
That deal essentially brought in a replacement for Jarell Quansah, but the club's pursuit of Guehi would also have been part of future planning, as well as securing a key player for the present.
Instead, Liverpool will start the first half of the season with captain Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konate, Joe Gomez, and Leoni as its center-back options.
When the January transfer window opens, it will provide the Reds with a perfect chance to delve into the market for reinforcements if they so desire. Liverpool will also keep an eye on the free agent market, which could offer the club an opportunity this coming January.
As the New Year dawns, Liverpool will have the opportunity to initiate discussions with players outside England whose contracts are set to expire at the end of the season.
Despite Guehi's contract coming to an end next summer, Liverpool can't officially engage the player in deal negotiations until the season wraps up. However, this rule doesn't apply to players affiliated with clubs in other countries, presenting a potential prospect worth considering from the Reds' perspective.
Bayern Munich's Dayot Upamecano is currently on a contract that expires at the end of the season. It has been reported that the Bundesliga team is keen to extend the France international's contract, but no agreement has been reached yet.
If a new contract isn't signed by the time the January transfer window swings open, Liverpool might want to contemplate a move for Upamecano, depending on its position regarding the potential signing of Guehi.
The Reds will also need to consider the status of Konate's contract as the New Year approaches.
Konate's contract also runs out next summer and, as it stands, there hasn't been any agreement to prolong the France international's tenure at Anfield beyond this season.
Only as time progresses will it become clear what Liverpool's plans are for its center-back department beyond this season. If a deal for Guehi seems less probable as the season advances, a move for Upamecano could certainly be a sensible alternative.
English (US) ·