After missing out on Marc Guehi in the summer transfer window, Liverpool have set sights on other options to bolster their defence.
Liverpool’s search for defensive reinforcements has reportedly identified a new, familiar name. As the club plots its strategy for the centre-back position, Crystal Palace’s Maxence Lacroix has emerged as a player of concrete interest.[smartframe_images_embed customer-id=”1ffbae35d432d0d71911ca2a0b209fbb” image-id=”prsi42gJ1VDe” style=”width: 100%; display: inline-flex; max-width: 4000px; aspect-ratio: 4000/2666;”]
According to reports from the Daily Mail, the French defender has been “discussed in the past” by Anfield officials. This interest adds another layer to Liverpool’s ongoing pursuit of a Palace defender, with the long-running saga involving captain Marc Guehi well-documented.
Why Liverpool desperately needs defensive reinforcements?
Liverpool’s reasons for this search are clear. Ibrahima Konate’s contract situation remains uncertain, Joe Gomez is out with a hamstring injury, Virgil van Dijk is aging and not at his usual best, and summer signing Giovanni Leoni is out for the season. This requires bolstering defence, which is a clear priority. The need is for both immediate cover and a long-term pillar.
Lacroix, 25, has been a formidable presence alongside Guehi at Selhurst Park, forming part of Oliver Glasner’s robust defensive unit. His performances have drawn praise, with Glasner himself describing the Frenchman as ‘outstanding’. His profile as a right-sided, physically imposing defender fits a clear need.[smartframe_images_embed customer-id=”1ffbae35d432d0d71911ca2a0b209fbb” image-id=”prsiIhGFXhmR” style=”width: 100%; display: inline-flex; max-width: 4000px; aspect-ratio: 4000/2666;”]
However, a move for Lacroix presents a different challenge to the Guehi situation. Unlike his teammate, whose contract expires this summer, Lacroix’s deal runs until 2028. This means Crystal Palace hold significant leverage over any transfer. Prising him away would likely require a substantial transfer fee, unlike Marc Guehi, who will be a free transfer in the summer.
However, Marc Guehi is expected to take his time to choose his next destination.
This financial reality shapes Liverpool’s steps ahead. While Lacroix is an admired target, the club’s preference appears to be patience with Guehi. They hope to secure him on a free transfer next summer despite anticipated competition from European giants including Real Madrid and Bayern Munich.
Lacroix, therefore, may represent a viable alternative should that primary plan falter. He is not the only other name under consideration. Reports also mention Brentford’s Nathan Collins, Club Brugge youngster Joel Ordonez, and Celta Vigo’s Oscar Mingueza as potential options in a broadening defensive shortlist.
