FSG’s big-money target now “wants to go to Liverpool”

The Premier League kicked off on Friday night in emotional circumstances. Liverpool players gathered around the centre circle, fans held tributes aloft to mourn and celebrate the life of Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva.

The most fitting way to pay tribute was by winning the game and they duly did that, but it wasn’t without its scares.

While Liverpool went 2-0 up through Hugo Ekitike and Cody Gakpo, Bournemouth rallied. Antoine Semenyo, ever lively Semenyo, bagged a brace.

The Reds fought back in typical circumstances, Federico Chiesa slamming home a late winner before a teary Mo Salah wrapped up the points.

It’s safe to say Liverpool’s attack was firing again, just as it did last season, just as it did in losing circumstances at Wembley a week ago.

Yet, the same problem from that showpiece event in the capital remains. Arne Slot’s side may have signed Milos Kerkez and Jeremie Frimpong, but in the middle of defence they were caught out.

Over the first two matches of the campaig,n Virgil Van Dijk has not looked his colossal self. Semenyo also had a hand in twisting Ibrahima Konate inside and out.

So, could another defender be on the agenda for Liverpool?

Liverpool’s transfer plans in defence

Kerkez and Frimpong will cause a great deal of excitement at full back but attacking as they are, it’s not going to improve Slot’s side’s ability to keep the ball out of the back of the net.

Giovanni Leoni has been added to the ranks from Parma. The Italian has been celebrated as one of the best young defenders in the land but it will take time for him to realise his immense promise.

A ready-made solution could be sought. Much of the transfer chatter this summer has revolved around Crystal Palace star Marc Guehi but a move in the forthcoming weeks does feel unlikely.

Previous reports have indicated that he could be willing to see out of his contract at Selhurst Park.

Guehi has less than a year left on his current deal and is likely to leave on a free transfer next summer.

That said, he still harbours dreams of moving to Merseyside. That’s according to Fabrizio Romano.

Speaking in a YouTube video posted on Saturday, the trusted insider said:

“On Liverpool, I insist they are still working for Marc Guehi, there is still a conversation ongoing with Crystal Palace, still a conversation ongoing with player side, because the agreement with the player is okay, from what I’m hearing.

“Still waiting to see what happens club to club but Guehi wants to go to Liverpool. If it’s not now, it’s going to be in the future, but now the deal is still on, from what I’m hearing, so keep an eye still on Marc Guehi, because Giovanni Leoni was introduced at Anfield, but that remains the priority again for Liverpool.”

It’s widely thought that Guehi could be allowed to leave London behind in a package worth around £40m-£45m.

A defensive touch similar to Fabinho

Liverpool have enjoyed quite the rejig of their midfield in recent years. First, it was the magical Jurgen Klopp who performed surgery but Slot has now taken things to the next level.

Indeed, amid James Milner, Jordan Henderson, Fabinho and Thiago all leaving, central figures were required and in the form of Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szobozslai, and Ryan Gravenberch, a new midfield was born.

Now, Florian Wirtz has been added to the mix in stunning circumstances.

In the defence, a similar reshaping must continue. Kerkez and Frimpong form two phases of the new look backline but Guehi could be the Wirtz-like final piece of the puzzle.

Similarly, he could be their new Fabinho, just from slightly further back on the pitch.

Described as a “monster in defender” by Eagles reporter Bobby Manzi, the Crystal Palace captain certainly evokes memories of Fabinho in that context.

Yet, it’s not necessarily their ability to defend astutely that makes the pair so alike.

Indeed, Guehi’s ability to read danger early, intercept the play and shield defensive spaces on the pitch feels very Fabinho-like.

While they are technically secure, both are less about recovery pace and more about anticipating and reading where the ball will be.

They don’t like to be the main man and in that sense, they’re both similarly understated on the field.

Speaking about Guehi during the 2024 European Championships, Joe Hart told BBC Sport:

“I thought he was exceptional. He really stepped in and was really calm on the ball. I thought Guehi allowed John Stones to play his game. The more Marc plays, the better that partnership will get.”

In a similar sense to Fabinho, he was really calm and he also allowed the more technically gifted players to shine. Fabinho played behind the likes of Salah, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane for years.

In this team, Guehi has the opportunity to establish a Stones-like partnership with Van Dijk, while allowing others, such as Wirtz and Frimpong to flourish.

Fabinho was the tempo setter, someone who knew his role; break things up and advance it into the club’s prized assets.

The Palace centre half would be well placed to perform a similar role at Anfield, just from back in defence rather than midfield.