Liverpool’s £94.2m spend meant they could miss out on signing Marc Guehi

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Liverpool are firmly the team to beat this season, with the reigning English champions winning their first three games of the 2025-26 campaign.

The Reds have strengthened significantly over the summer, with Liverpool signing Alexander Isak from Newcastle in a statement move by the Merseyside giants.

However, Liverpool missed out on Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi, with the London side deciding to keep their key centre-half despite interest from the Reds.

Despite missing out on Guehi, the profile of some of Liverpool’s existing players will have softened the blow.

Liverpool boast versatility this season

While Liverpool signed Giovanni Leoni to add to their options at centre-half, there are other players who can slot into the side’s defence if needed.

Ryan Gravenberch played in central defence at times in pre-season and excelled, while Dominik Szobozslai has been operating at right-back of late.

Liverpool spent a combined £94.3 million (£60 million and £34.2 million) to sign these two international stars, with the pair combining in the heart of the Reds midfield when everyone is fit.

However, Arne Slot’s willingness to field some of his better players out of position when required has added to Liverpool’s flexibility.

Slot has options in defence

At first glance, Liverpool’s options in central defence may look weaker than 12 months ago, especially as the Reds have recently sold Jarell Quansah to Bayer Leverkusen.

However, with Leoni a star of the future and Ibrahima Konate having an excellent game in the recent Premier League win over Arsenal, there are options to partner Virgil van Dijk at the back.

Gravenberch and Szoboszlai’s versatility will be critical this season also as Liverpool fight on four fronts, with Slot clearly comfortable in playing either of these midfielders in defence.

With Liverpool dominating possession in most games they play and Van Dijk the defensive leader around which it is all built, missing out on Guehi will not be keeping Slot up at night.