Glen Johnson tips Liverpool to splash the cash for Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi
Former Liverpool full-back Glen Johnson has urged Arne Slot to target Crystal Palace skipper Marc Guehi this summer.
Marc Guehi has been among a few rare bright spots for England this summer at the ongoing European Championships in Germany. For all the criticism England have rightly received for their displays so far, the Crystal Palace star has emerged as a calm and composed presence alongside John Stones at the heart of their defence.
The 23-year-old has been linked with a big-money move away to several top Premier League clubs ahead of next season, including Liverpool. With Arne Slot replacing Jurgen Klopp in the Liverpool dugout, the board is expected to back him well during this transfer window.
With the Reds looking for reinforcements in various areas of the pitch, Glen Johnson outlined that Guehi is one player who the Merseyside club should be looking to sign to reinforce their backline for the 2024/25 campaign. Johnson told Betfred (h/t The Express)
“I couldn’t promise you right now that £65m is a good bit of business but in terms of his profile, he looks like he’s going to be the real deal. Chelsea and Liverpool should definitely join the race for sure, as he looks like he’s going to be some player.”
“He’s still a young lad, he makes common mistakes like every single player does but one that sticks out in my head was in the game against Denmark where he made a mistake but then all of a sudden, he came out of nowhere, got down and made the block, so I love that attitude.
“He didn’t sulk or blame it on anyone else, he just got back and dealt with it, so if he’s got that mentality now, then he’s going to be a great player for sure.”
The ex-England international has been a big fan of Guehi’s displays for Crystal Palace and England. Going by the 23-year-old’s development and potential to grow, he has tipped Liverpool to splash £65 million for his signature.
“I’m not sure he’s worth £65 million right now, but two years from now it could be considered cheap. It does seem rather expensive at the moment, but he’s only going to go for whatever people are willing to pay, and if someone else is willing to pay it, then I think Chelsea and Liverpool should as well,” he added.
Liverpool are widely expected to invest in a centre-back this summer after the release of Joel Matip. The Cameroonian’s departure leaves Arne Slot with Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konate, Jarell Quansah and Joe Gomez as centre-back options.
With Van Dijk entering the final year of his contract and linked with a move to Saudi Arabia, Konate vulnerable to injuries, Quansah just completing his first season in senior football and Gomez largely used as a full-back last season, the addition of a top-quality young centre-back has become a must for the Merseysiders.
More Liverpool News!
- Fabrizio Romano provides ‘concrete’ update on Liverpool pursuit of Euro 2024 star
- Liverpool earmark South American star to address goalkeeping exodus
- Liverpool see offer for England Euro 2024 Forward rejected despite including surprise name in swap deal
Guehi fits that bill perfectly at Anfield. The England international has grown leaps and bounds at Palace since joining from Chelsea in 2021, developing into one of the reliable young centre-backs in the Premier League. He is a talented player with huge potential, and having earned solid top-flight experience in recent years, he could make an instant impact for Liverpool.
The 23-year-old would fit in well alongside Van Dijk at the heart of Liverpool’s defence, adding strength, pace and physicality to the side. With Van Dijk turning 33 this month, Guehi could be a strong option to replace the Dutch superstar at left centre-back and also assume Liverpool’s captaincy duties. All in all, Slot and Liverpool must take note of Johnson’s advice and splash the cash for Guehi this summer.
