Liverpool made big waves this summer with the £100m signing of striker Alexander Isak. But one move that didn’t happen is now raising eyebrows. Football analysts argue that the Reds should have signed centre-back Marc Guehi. Guehi is now performing well at Crystal Palace. The defensive problems are piling up at Anfield. This decision now looks risky.
Why Guehi was the priority
Marc Guehi had a clear path to Ibrahim Konate’s centre-back spot. This was even seen as a perfect fit for Liverpool’s system. According to reports, Liverpool had even submitted an offer worth about £35 million with bonuses. However, the deal collapsed at the last minute. Because Crystal Palace refused to let him go without a replacement lined up. Liverpool then shifted the focus to Isak and others. This left a gap in defence.
Rising defensive concerns at Liverpool
Despite a massive summer spend of over £400 million, Liverpool have registered just two clean sheets in ten Premier League games. Experts say the club’s failure to reinforce the back-line — especially after missing out on Guehi — is now compromising their title challenge. The contrast is stark: the forward line boasts big names, the defence still has question marks.
Isak’s arrival vs defensive stability
Signing Alexander Isak was a bold statement, yet it may have sent mixed signals. Investing in attack while the defence remained unstable looks like putting the cart before the horse. With pressure mounting in every game, Liverpool may soon regret that relentless pursuit of goals without the foundation to protect them.
Where Liverpool go from here
The club still has options. They could revive their interest in Guehi in the summer. They could also target another high-profile defender in January. But both routes cost time and money. The title window waits for no one, so they have to hurry up. If they remain inconsistent at the back, this season could slip away.
Author’s Insight
Here’s the takeaway: Transfers are about balance, not just marquee names. Liverpool’s decision to prioritise attack was understandable, but skipping a defender like Guehi now looks like an oversight. With every goal conceded and every chance lost, the gap between big spending and true readiness widens. For Liverpool to move forward, the back line must improve — and quickly.
As featured on Walkon.com
