Liverpool‘s failure to secure the signature of Marc Guehi on transfer deadline day could prove a costly mistake. Despite both the Reds and Crystal Palace being open to a deal, a last-minute hitch saw a £35million agreement fall through. It left Liverpool without their desired final signing of a busy summer and in a precarious position.
It has been reported that despite the 25-year-old’s initial desire to join the English champions, he is now considering a change of stance and ‘has his heart set’ on a free transfer to Spanish heavyweights Real Madrid instead. Liverpool now find themselves in a tricky situation as they seek defensive reinforcements, with Ibrahima Konate’s contract due to expire at the end of the season. They have been linked with Barcelona’s Ronald Araujo and Tottenham‘s Micky van de Ven, but acquiring either would likely require a hefty fee.
With this in mind, here are three potential alternatives who could be available on a free transfer….
John Stones
Securing the services of John Stones when his Manchester City contract runs out next summer could offer Arne Slot an experienced defensive option. He is a six-time Premier League champion, a Champions League winner and a regular for England.
The move would echo James Milner’s switch to Anfield in 2015. The midfielder continued to play a key role for Liverpool after being let go by City. However, it’s a deal that would only work under certain conditions.
At 31, Stones isn’t getting any younger and is part of a struggling City defence. Liverpool need to renew Konate’s contract to ensure he remains at the club before bringing in additional cover.
There’s also the matter of his previous ties to Everton. It’s rare for a player to represent both Merseyside clubs during their career.
Eric Garcia
Eric Garcia represents another proven champion, boasting one Premier League triumph with City and two La Liga titles with Barcelona.
However, this opportunity may not materialise for Liverpool as Garcia has already indicated renewal discussions are underway with his current club.
“Everything will be discussed soon,” he told Spanish media in a September interview.
“We’ve started talking about a renewal. Captain? Who knows, maybe I could be a candidate for captaincy in the future.”
Diogo Leite
Something of a surprise selection to conclude as Slot might turn his attention to the Bundesliga once more to uncover a hidden treasure.
Diogo Leite emerged through Porto’s youth system before joining Union Berlin in 2022, assisting the club in securing Champions League qualification during his debut campaign.
His development has progressed to where he ranks amongst the German top flight’s most reliable centre-backs.
From Liverpool‘s standpoint, their recruitment team may be fascinated to discover that Leite ranks fourth-highest amongst central defenders who draw direct comparisons to Guehi.
Per 90 minutes, the Portuguese records 2.26 tackles compared to Guehi’s 2.00, whilst both average approximately 60 ball touches per match.
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