Virgil Van Dijk nearly punched the player Liverpool are considering instead of Guehi
da winzada777： After missing out on Marc Guehi at the 11th hour, Liverpool have now reportedly set their sights on signing another Premier League rival when 2026 arrives.
How Liverpool missed out on Guehi
da esport bet： The medical was complete, the fee was agreed and a goodbye video had even been put together by Crystal Palace. All that was really left to do was for Guehi to sign on the dotted line and for Liverpool to announce his arrival. That was until chaos at Selhurst Park erupted, however.
In a mini-civil war at the club, Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner reportedly threatened to quit if chairman Steve Parish sold Guehi to Liverpool on deadline day. It was either the £35m fee or his manager, Parish had to choose. And when Igor Julio ditched a move to Crystal Palace for West Ham United, there was only one option for the Eagles.
It’s the one deal that Liverpool failed to get over the line and they may regret not doing so. Recent reports have emerged which claim that Real Madrid are now interested in signing Guehi when his contract expires next summer and, as Liverpool know all too well, the Spanish club rarely miss out on their targets.
Whilst that move could end up benefitting them if Ibrahima Konate signs a new deal and stays put as a result, Arne Slot could still do with another central defender in 2026.
If it’s not Guehi, then Michael Edwards and Richard Hughes must get back to the drawing board before doing what they do better than most when the opportunity arrives.
Liverpool eyeing Van Hecke swoop
According to TeamTalk, Liverpool are now eyeing a move to sign Jan Paul van Hecke from Brighton & Hove Albion in 2026, having already sent scouts to watch the defender in action. Joined by Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur in an early race for his signature, Liverpool could yet push on to land an impressive Guehi alternative.
PL stats 24/25
Van Hecke
Guehi
Minutes
2,958
3,059
Progressive Passes
228
134
Tackles Won
29
34
Ball Recoveries
131
146
In possession, Van Hecke should be Liverpool’s man. His progression numbers last season were excellent, especially compared to Guehi, who got the better of the Brighton man when it came to ball recoveries and tackles.
Whether the Reds believe that Van Hecke can eventually match Guehi’s dominance off the ball is the big question, but he certainly puts himself about, nearly causing a full blown fight between himself and Reds skipper Virgil van Dijk this time last year.
Praised as a “great character” by Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler, the 25-year-old has shown he’s not afraid of anyone in the Premier League and a big move now awaits. With just two years remaining on his current deal at The Amex, Liverpool could even land a bargain deal to sign Van Hecke if they are willing to wait until next summer.
