Marc Guehi transfer agreement reached as Liverpool's January priority is clear

Liverpool and the rest of the Premier League clubs could be active this month, with some of our writers having their say on who Arne Slot and Richard Hughes should target

Marc Guehi could be an option for Liverpool in January(Image: Getty Images)

The January transfer window is now open, and that means Liverpool can dip into the market again. After going big in the summer, there is still work to be done on reshaping its roster.

Arne Slot looks a little light on center-back options, and there are question marks over the futures of a number of players, including Ibrahima Konate, whose current contract expires at the end of the season as things stand.

While it may not be this month, the Reds are going to need to be active again in the relatively near future. Center-back is one requirement, but Liverpool could also do with some more depth in midfield and attack. This is who some of the Liverpool.com writers would make a move for...

Marc Guehi - Matt Addison

There is no doubt in my mind that center-back is the next position that Liverpool needs to strengthen. It wanted Marc Guehi in the summer and should only want him more based on what we have seen since.

Guehi has knuckled down and played very well for Crystal Palace this season, and he will leave — probably as a free agent — in the summer. If there is any chance of being earlier, though, Liverpool should do it.

Even if Ibrahima Konate ends up staying, Liverpool needs more depth at the back. Guehi ticks every box, including being homegrown, and it is a no-brainer. Getting him this month would be perfect — but is probably a tad optimistic.

Nico Schlotterbeck -

I'm in agreement with Matt: center-back has to be the priority this window. The Reds currently only have two fit players in that position, and with Joe Gomez a constant injury concern and Giovanni Leoni not set to return before the end of the season, it would be prudent to make an addition in January.

If Liverpool were to sign a new defender, it would likely prioritize a young player who has room to grow, but Slot's squad is in need of a first-team-ready center-back. Guehi would obviously be a prime target, but it looks highly unlikely he will be available this month.

Therefore, Nico Schlotterbeck could be the solution. He's an elite defender whose contract expires in 18 months. Borussia Dortmund is always open to selling its best players at the right price, and the 26-year-old German international would be a superb addition.

Nico Schlotterbeck has been linked with a move to Liverpool(Image: Getty Images)

Marc Guehi - James Findlater

It just has to be a center-back, doesn’t it? Relying on Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate to play almost every game feels like an almighty risk, so the Reds absolutely have to find someone — and it should be Marc Guehi.

Yes, it does look like he’ll be seeing out the rest of the season, and you can understand why from both sides. Getting a player as good as Guehi for free would be hugely attractive for Liverpool, and for the player, he’ll have his pick of clubs to choose from.

It’s for that reason that Liverpool shouldn’t be waiting and should strike now. Test Palace’s resolve, see whether it can be convinced into selling now, and if it can, the Reds will get an outstanding center-back who can slot straight into the side, and ease the load on Van Dijk and Konate.