Last season, despite building a significant lead at the top of the Premier League, Liverpool didn`t quite seem to earn the full respect, or perhaps fear, of their main title rivals.
This lack of recognition was arguably evident even before the season began. None of BBC Sport`s 30 experts predicted Liverpool to win the league. Yet, the Reds went on to clinch the title comfortably, finishing ten points ahead of Arsenal, even easing off in their final four matches.
Only two BBC Sport pundits, Stephen Warnock and Fara Williams, foresaw Liverpool finishing in the top two. While expectations weren`t high for a title challenge immediately after Jurgen Klopp`s departure, Klopp left behind a formidable and dynamic team, and FSG`s relatively limited transfer activity still yielded success under Arne Slot.
Given this backdrop, it`s perhaps unsurprising that Liverpool have approached the transfer market with aggressive intent this summer. The Merseyside club has already spent approximately £200 million, with further signings anticipated. Striker Hugo Ekitike and Crystal Palace centre-back Marc Guehi are reportedly high on their list of targets.
However, securing Marc Guehi might prove challenging. Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish is considered a tough negotiator and is reportedly valuing his captain at £50 million, despite the defender having only a year remaining on his contract.
The question remains: should Liverpool press ahead with pursuing this deal?
Why Liverpool want Marc Guehi
Liverpool could conceivably conclude their transfer business now and be content, especially after the British-record £116 million acquisition of Florian Wirtz. The talented German midfielder, arriving from his prominent position in the Bundesliga, has the potential to significantly transform the team at Anfield.
Nevertheless, Liverpool aims to enhance quality across other positions. Sporting director Richard Hughes previously attempted to sign Dean Huijsen from Bournemouth in May, but the defender ultimately moved to Real Madrid. In Guehi, Liverpool might have found the perfect alternative target.
Guehi`s leadership, composure, technical abilities, and combative style align well with Arne Slot`s vision, particularly if a new agreement cannot be reached with Ibrahima Konate, who has just 12 months left on his deal amidst reports of Real Madrid`s interest in more Liverpool talent.
Adding to the defensive situation, Jarell Quansah has been sold to Bayer Leverkusen in a deal worth £35 million.
Liverpool`s interest in Guehi is clear and strong. However, the club is also open to considering other options and might find another promising talent originating from the German football scene.
Liverpool in race for Bundesliga star
Liverpool have reportedly registered their interest in RB Leipzig centre-back Castello Lukeba. According to Foot Mercato, the French defender is also being pursued by Tottenham Hotspur and Bayern Munich.
Lukeba has a release clause of €90 million (£77 million), indicating a potentially high transfer fee – although it is likely that any interested club would aim to pay a lower sum.
However, with the France international reportedly open to leaving, Leipzig may be willing to accept a more modest offer, especially as they finished sixth in the Bundesliga last season and consequently have no European football qualification for the 2025/26 campaign.
What Castello Lukeba would bring to Liverpool
Discussing Lukeba`s potential move to Liverpool previously, analyst Ben Mattinson stated that Anfield would represent the `perfect destination` for the defender.
Indeed, Lukeba`s characteristics, described positively as a `freak profile` due to his impressive athleticism and versatility, strongly suggest his suitability for Arne Slot`s system.
Furthermore, Liverpool has a notable history of successfully acquiring exciting young prospects from the Bundesliga.
Florian Wirtz is a prime example; while he has yet to play a match on Merseyside, the 22-year-old is widely considered destined for future greatness.
Lukeba, also 22, demonstrated his abilities exceptionally throughout the 2024/25 season. According to statistics from FBref, he ranks highly among central defenders in Europe`s top five leagues across various metrics. This includes being in the top 13% for passes attempted, top 20% for progressive passes, top 12% for progressive carries, top 1% for successful take-ons per 90 minutes, and top 15% for aerial duel success rate.
His energy and determination in winning duels and defending against attacking players, combined with his refined technical skill, would help Slot establish composure and stability in Liverpool`s backline. The forward-thinking aspects evident in his attacking statistics further underscore his broad and valuable skillset.
