Liverpool weigh Palace double swoop as Guehi takes top billing and Lacroix earns admiring glances

Liverpool’s recruitment room is humming again, and this time the chatter is about a Palace pair. The word is that the Reds have discussed Crystal Palace’s Maxence Lacroix while keeping long-time fancy Marc Guehi firmly at the top of the shopping list. Given the state of play at the back, you can see why Anfield’s decision-makers are sharpening their pencils.

Why Liverpool are back in the centre-back market

Ibrahima Konaté is contracted only until 2026 and hasn’t hit the heights this season. Joe Gomez has battled more knocks than he’d care to remember. Young Giovanni Leoni is sidelined with a serious knee issue. And while Virgil van Dijk remains a beacon of calm, he’s edging into the veteran bracket. Add it up and you’ve got the case for fresh legs at the heart of defence, whether January or the summer proves the moment to strike.

The names on the board: Guehi and Lacroix

Sources indicate Liverpool have held conversations about Lacroix, who has impressed at Selhurst Park and drawn glowing reviews from Oliver Glasner. The Frenchman’s recovery speed and front-foot defending would suit a high line, and he’s no shrinking violet in the duels either. Still, the headline act is Guehi. The England international has been Palace’s defensive metronome, reading danger early and making the simple things look gloriously tidy.

If it comes down to one, Guehi should be the priority. He’s Premier League-proven, a leader in the making, and his ceiling keeps creeping higher. That’s not a slight on Lacroix, who looks a proper modern centre-half; it’s simply an acknowledgment that Guehi ticks Liverpool’s boxes today and tomorrow.

Contracts, cost and competition

Here’s the kicker for the accountants: prising Lacroix from Palace won’t be cheap. As for Guehi, his contract situation makes him exceptional value; he’s into the final stretch and, under the rules, can talk to clubs on the continent about a pre-contract. That opens the door to rival suitors and turns this into a game of timing and persuasion as much as cold, hard cash. Liverpool will fancy their chances, but they’ll need to play it smart.

The wider transfer picture

Up the pitch, the Reds are not expected to gatecrash Manchester City’s pursuit of Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo, according to Merseyside whispers. Sensible, that—resources are better pointed at the back four right now.

Pundit’s verdict

This rebuild needs balance, not headlines. Guehi would slot in next to Van Dijk or Konaté tomorrow, organise the line, and make everyone half a yard quicker with his positioning. Lacroix is an intriguing alternative—athletic, aggressive, and tailor-made for a press-and-squeeze system—but he’s the supporting case, not the lead argument.

If Liverpool can land Guehi and still have room for Lacroix, you’re talking about a defence that can bully transitions and boss set-pieces for years. If it’s one or the other, the smart money is on the England man. Speaking of smart money, check out the latest odds talk and guides on best betting sites if you’re weighing the market’s mood on Liverpool’s next move.

Bottom line: the Reds need a centre-back sooner rather than later. Get Guehi through the door, keep an eye on Lacroix, and give the rest of the league something serious to think about.