Arne Slot might still have a chance with Marc Guéhi (Credits: Imago Images)
Marc Guehi has been on the Liverpool radar for a long time. A deal was almost made in the summer only to fall through in the last moment. There has been renewed interest in visiting that back but the Reds are considering other options as well.
Liverpool are reportedly interested in a defender who could be available for a significantly lower cost than their release cause. Liverpool are currently running short on recognised centre-back options.
Having bought Giovanni Leoni in the summer window, options shouldn’t have been the problem. Unfortunately the Italian youngster tore his ACL on debut, thereby sidelining him for the season. Additionally Ibrahima Konate too has joined the injured list.
Under such circumstances it is imperative for Liverpool to shore up their backline.
Quiz: Name the team Liverpool signed these players from in the 2010s
Liverpool looking for options other than Marc Guehi
Apart from the injuries contract negotiations with current players have also pushed the club somewhat into a corner. Konate’s contract is expiring at the season. With just nine months left the Reds run the risk of being worryingly short in the centre-back department.
Thereby Liverpool have narrowed down on Castello Lukeba from RB Leipzig as a viable option. The Frenchman had been a reported target for Arne Slot but they chose to focus on Guehi. According to Mark Brus of the Daily Briefing, “Lukeba has a release clause worth €90m (£78.3m), which clubs see as too high, but it’s largely symbolic anyway – the real asking price is more like €60m (£52.2m).
The 22-year old has his share of admirers, “Liverpool like him, but you can add Chelsea, Man United, Newcastle and Real Madrid to that list.”
Adding variety to the back-line
Currently a lot of possibilities are on the table. Konate can sign an extension. The possibility of Marc Guehi making his way to Anfield still holds true. However Lukeba does provide something extra.
A pre-dominantly left footed player, he can make a real difference. All of Liverpool’s current central defenders are stronger with their right foot. Lukeba can fill a niche slot at the club.
The official Bundesliga website too is high on the player. His profile describes him as a player with astute ‘reading of the game, timing in the tackle, physicality and ability to distribute the ball from the back’. Qualities which can be lucrative for any big club.
While Guehi still remains the Reds priority, the youngster does provide a valued alternative.
About the Author
