Dream Guehi alternative: £35m CB becomes an exciting target for Liverpool
Liverpool’s massive decline from their title-winning campaign last season is a huge concern to everyone at the club, but none more so than manager Arne Slot.
The Dutchman led the Reds to Premier League glory in the 2024/25 campaign, but his men now sit fourth and are already a staggering 14 points off after the first 20 outings.
Anfield has so often been a fortress – massively helping them to title glory last year – but Slot’s side have already lost more games on Merseyside than the entirety of last campaign.
Such a drop off will also come as a huge shock, especially after the hierarchy handed the manager over £450m worth of funds to bolster his first-team squad.
However, the January window presents yet another opportunity for the board to back the manager, with numerous players already appearing as potential targets.
Liverpool want move to land top-level centre-back
With the window now in full swing, Liverpool are desperate for key reinforcements in a number of positions to help improve their top-flight standing before the end of the year.
The midfield department is one that could be bolstered, with Crystal Palace star Adam Wharton just one of the options currently being considered by the hierarchy.
It’s been reported that the Englishman would be open to a big-money transfer away from Selhurst Park, with Manchester United another side interested in his signature.
However, the centre-back department is one that needs addressing, as seen by the Reds’ move to try and land French star Jeremy Jacquet during the current window.
According to TEAMtalk, Slot’s men are just one side interested in a move for the 20-year-old who’s already made 16 appearances in Ligue 1 this campaign.
The report also states that Chelsea, Real Madrid, Manchester United and Arsenal are all firmly in the race to land the youngster before the end of the winter window.
Previous reports have suggested he may well cost in the region of £35m to prise away.
Why Jacquet would be the dream Guehi alternative for Liverpool
In an attempt to land a new centre-back, Liverpool have been linked with a whole host of players in recent times, but none more so than Crystal Palace star Marc Guehi.
The England international’s potential move to Anfield dates all the way back to the summer transfer window, after the Reds agreed a fee for his signature.
However, a move failed to materialise with the 25-year-old deciding to stay put at Selhurst Park and see out the remainder of his contract, which expires in June.
A move for his signature could take place this winter, especially given the Reds’ disappointing defensive record, which has seen them concede 28 times in the first 20 matches.
If they are to land Guehi, they will now have to fend off some serious competition, with Manchester City now firmly in the race to land the defender after Josko Gvardiol’s injury.
However, it could be a blessing in disguise, especially if the club are able to secure a deal for Jacquet before the end of the winter transfer window.
When comparing his stats to those of Guehi from the ongoing campaign, the youngster has dominated in key areas – showcasing why he’d be an excellent addition.
Jacquet, who’s been described as a “monster” defender by scout Antonio Mango, has completed more of the passes he’s attempted, with more of which being defined as key passes.
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Such numbers showcase his incredible ball-playing ability, something which fits perfectly into Slot’s current philosophy, which requires his players to be comfortable in possession.
How Jacquet & Guehi compare in 2025/26
Statistics (per 90)
Jacquet
Guehi
Games played
16
19
Minutes played
1423
1710
Key passes
0.9
0.4
Pass accuracy
91%
84%
% of tackles won
83%
63%
Blocks made
1.5
0.8
Take-on success
44%
40%
Aerials won
69%
64%
Stats via FBref
The Frenchman has also completed more of take-ons he’s attempted, whilst playing more forward passes per 90 – further showcasing his sensational ability with the ball at his feet.
However, out of possession, the youngster has been just as impressive throughout 2025/26, as seen by his higher tally of tackles won and blocks made per 90.
Jacquet’s aerial dominance has also made him a remarkable talent, as seen by his tally of 69% duels won – a figure that ranks him in the top 20% of all defenders in Europe.
It’s unclear how much a deal for Jacquet would cost this winter, but it’s evident that from the stats produced, he would be a phenomenal addition for Liverpool.
Missing out on Guehi would undoubtedly be a tough one to take given the length of the pursuit for his signature, but a deal for the Frenchman would certainly make more sense for the long-term.
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