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Liverpool changed plenty of players on its roster during the summer and that has perhaps contributed to the slow-ish start that Arne Slot's men have made in terms of performances.
In time, the new Liverpool stars will get used to playing with each other — and in Slot's system — but that chemistry was never going to go straight away. When the next transfer window opens, more deals could be done, with one priority position likely to be a priority.
Here is the Liverpool.com verdict on the transfer gossip to emerge around the Reds today. Both players being linked with moves are center-backs, which seems like the obvious next place to look.
Marc Guehi (Crystal Palace)
Liverpool almost signed Marc Guehi in the summer before the move broke down on transfer deadline day. While he has stayed at Crystal Palace for now, his contract expires in 2026.
In addition to Liverpool, though, Fabrizio Romano reports that several other clubs around Europe are also expected to be in the mix for the England center-back.
Newcastle United has held an interest in the past and could return, though Guehi would be unlikely to pick St James' Park over Anfield. Real Madrid, Barcelona, Bayern Munich and others are also thought to be keeping an eye on his situation.
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"For me, it doesn’t matter," Guehi said this week when he was asked about the importance of sorting out his next move. "As long as I’m playing well for Palace, there is an opportunity for me to be here.
"Whether it’s sorted or not, it doesn’t matter for me. Personally, I don’t know if I can think that far ahead. I like to just take it step by step, and that is just focusing on the games that I have at Palace and any upcoming opportunities I have here."
Liverpool.com says: Guehi is a really good defender and his attitude since his move to Anfield fell through has been exemplary. Liverpool will return for him and getting him as a free agent would be a result.
Zeno Debast (Sporting CP)
Guehi having interest from elsewhere means it is sensible for Liverpool to have alternative options, just in case. Given Ibrahima Konate and Joe Gomez's future is not 100 per cent clear, signing more than one defender might be needed anyway.
The Belgian outlet Voetbal Nieuws reports that Liverpool is watching Sporting CP center-back Zeno Debast, who is a 21-year-old with "excellent passing ability".
Manchester United, Arsenal, Borussia Dortmund and Napoli have also been linked with Debast. The player still has four years left on his contract in Portugal and previously played for Anderlecht.
Liverpool.com says: Center-back is likely to be a priority for the Reds in 2026, whether that is in January or the summer.
Leoni looks like a great talent but there are question marks over Konate and Gomez, and even Van Dijk will only have a year left on his deal by that point, so a long-term successor will need to be found for the Dutchman.
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