Liverpool very close to finally agreeing centre-back transfer

Richard Hughes looks to be now 'very close' to finally signing a centre-back.

The Liverpool sporting director delivered what seemed a near perfect transfer window in the summer. Ultimately, though he will only be judged on the success of the window in two years time.

It's important to note that the sole responsibility isn't on Hughes either. He's paid to make decisions and engage in negotiations but ultimately he's supported by a much wider recruitment team that also play a key role in identifying potential players for the club.

Obviously, Liverpool wanted to bring in more centre-backs in the summer. Especially after Jarell Quansah left the club.

However, the centre-back market was a difficult one. They found a gem in Giovanni Leoni, who then got injured on his Liverpool debut and forced to miss the rest of the season.

There was also the club's pursuit of Marc Guehi, which seemed like a successful one until the very last moment of the window.

Hughes can hardly be blamed for Crystal Palace pulling the plug on the transfer in the very last minute after a fee had been agreed and Guehi had already put pen to paper on a Liverpool contract.

That was not Hughes' fault. Are Liverpool feeling the repercussions of that failed move now though?

100%.

Liverpool's failures have been down to their poor defending this season. A part of that is inevitably influenced by the lack of depth in the centre-back department.

Slot has slim pickings and just three recognised senior centre-backs.

One in Ibrahima Konate has an expiring contract at the end of the season and is in poor form. Joe Gomez meanwhile is another who has a terrible injury record.

So, Slot doesn't have it easy. It's why Liverpool have to act in the January transfer window and make some big calls.

Could returning for Guehi be an option?

It remains to be seen.

Although according to Christian Falk of Sport Bild writing on CFBayern Insider all the signs are pointing towards Guehi heading to Liverpool with the deal very close. Guehi wants to play for the Reds the report states.

Liverpool are therefore the frontrunners for Guehi's signature, and it remains only a matter of time it seems like until the deal is completed.

Whether it happens in January or when Guehi becomes a free agent at the end of the season is another matter. Falk does not mention this in his article.

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