It’s Guehi or bust for Liverpool, says Danny Murphy

The 2025 summer transfer window was one where Liverpool finally decided to splash the cash. To offset departures and strengthen their team in order to defend the Premier League title, FSG spent big, bringing in the likes of Alexander Isak, Florian Wirtz, Hugo Ekitike, Milos Kerkez, Jeremie Frimpong and Giovanni Leoni.

They also tried to bring in another standout performer in Marc Guehi but his proposed move from Crystal Palace collapsed at the last minute. Now, with Liverpool struggling to prevent opponents from scoring and with Leoni out for the season, the potential ramifications of not getting Guehi are becoming clearer.

It’s not all bad for Liverpool, and they’re still 8/13 to win a major trophy this season, which you can back using our bet365 bonus code, but there’s certainly cause for concern in the wake of such a poor period.

Former Red Danny Murphy spoke to us recently and has advised Arne Slot and FSG to go all in for Guehi in the January window and not even think about other alternatives from the Premier League. The only alternative, in his view, plays in France.

An injury to van Dijk could be a massive problem for Liverpool

Murphy begins by saying that with Liverpool being light at the back, an injury to Virgil van Dijk could be a massive problem for the Reds.

“From a short term perspective I think if Virgil were to get an injury that’s a huge problem for Liverpool. Konate has shown he’s capable of overcoming bad spells. His consistency last season means it was his best season. We know he’s capable. Gomez is also fit and capable.”

Murphy adds that van Dijk has the ability and resilience to remain fit, which can help in avoiding this potential issue for the club. As it stands, Slot has three senior CBs at his disposal - van Dijk, Ibrahima Konate and Joe Gomez.

“Before the window had shut I thought Guehi was more important than Isak. The only reason that might not matter is if Virgil stays fit and he’s got a great habit of staying fit for large parts of the season. He’s in great physical condition and centre back is probably the best position when it comes to running and doing less miles.”

Go all out on Guehi in January

Liverpool will be looking at the January window to bring in a central defender, and in Murphy’s view, Marc Guehi is the only right choice. His explanation is that Liverpool currently need a short-term fix, as in the January window, they’ll need a defender who has Premier League experience.

“Now I do think there has to be a long term vision for who will take that role but right now it’s about the short term. We’ve got 11 weeks or so until the window opens. Do they make a move in January and find a short term fix or just pay what they need to pay for Guehi. I would get Guehi in January. Maybe Palace won’t let it happen but he’s perfect in so many ways.”

“He knows the league, won’t need time to settle. He’s calm, he’s quick and he’s a good footballer. He’s everything you want in a centre back. Liverpool will need to do something to cover that potential problem which may come.”

Guehi’s teammate Maxence Lacroix and Newcastle’s Sven Botman have been touted as alternatives. Murphy, however, doesn’t think they’re on the same level as Guehi, and he doesn’t believe it makes sense to go for them.

“Lacroix and Botman aren’t as good as Guehi. So you’re filling a hole with something of less quality when you can get the real deal. I wouldn’t go down that line. They’re good players but they don’t possess his rounded game. I would go all out on Guehi.”

Willian Pacho is a long-term solution

The Premier League isn’t the only place teeming with quality defenders. Willian Pacho has established himself as one of the world’s foremost defenders, winning the Champions League with PSG last season.

Murphy certainly sees Pacho as a long-term solution for the Reds, but is unsure if he can be lured away from PSG, especially when he’s a nailed-on starter.

“Pacho is a different conversation. The problem is, are you getting him from the champions of Europe? Yes he’s a super player and you’d be happy to have him but that’s unrealistic.”

Due to those reasons, Murphy has reiterated that Guehi should be Liverpool’s primary target and also advised his former team to use the van Dijk playbook that they used to bring in the Dutchman from Southampton.

“They’ve got a relationship with Guehi and his camp. Liverpool came in for him in the same way they tried to get van Dijk when Southampton asked for more money at the last minute and the deal fell through so Liverpool waited and got him in the next window. For such an important position you need the best or the one you want.”

Read more as Danny Murphy breaks down Liverpool's poor recent run of form