Liverpool made strong favourites to land "fantastic" PL defender in 2026

A journalist has claimed that Liverpool already have a key transfer addition all but wrapped up ahead of next season.

Arne Slot’s side spent over £400m in the summer in their attempts to secure back-to-back titles for the first time since 1984.

But the Reds have had an indifferent start to the defence of their Premier League crown, dropping eight points behind leaders Arsenal before the November international break following their defeat to fellow rivals Manchester City.

It seems that they have their sights on even more recruits, with a claim from Spain-based reporter Bruno Alemany suggesting that a deal for a new defender in the summer of 2026 is “pretty much wrapped up”.

Amid apparent interest from Barcelona and Real Madrid, Alemany believes that the La Liga giants’ efforts to bring England international Marc Guehi to Spain will prove futile due to Liverpool’s progress in their own pursuit.

Guehi was close to an Anfield switch last summer before Crystal Palace held firm in their refusal to sell, allowing the centre-back to see out his deal at Selhurst Park, which expires in June 2026.

Speaking on Spanish program El Bar, Alemany said of Guehi: “I think he’s a fantastic centre-back. He plays on the left, although he’s not left-footed, but he’s good with his left foot. I think he’d be a great signing, but I think Liverpool have it pretty much wrapped up.”

It isn’t exactly a surprise that Guehi is attracting such interest, not least because he will be available for free in the summer.

Palace boss Oliver Glasner confirmed in October that the defender would not be renewing his current deal in south London, paving the way for him to leave for a fee in January 2026 or for nothing at the end of the season.

But the Eagles captain is also playing the best football of his career, having led Palace to successes in the FA Cup and Community Shield while making a name for himself on the international stage during Euro 2024.

With Liverpool’s defence looking suspect so far in 2025/26, having conceded 17 goals in 11 games (already over 40% of their total from last season), you can see why Slot is after reinforcements in that area – and perhaps why he tried to bring Guehi in before the start of the campaign.

And it appears he has wasted no time ensuring he will get this deal over the line one way or another.

Graduated in Sport Journalism (BA) with first-class honours from the University of Brighton and has since had bylines in The Times, sports business publication SportsPro, Football FanCast and The Gooner fanzine.