There’s a bit of collective headloss any time a player we’ve been linked with ends up elsewhere, especially if it’s a direct rival. But on the Guehi one, I can’t get past the simplest point: Liverpool clearly didn’t think it was good value.
If the overall cost has jumped since the summer, wages included, then this is exactly the sort of deal we’ve always stepped away from. We are not Manchester City. That’s not bitterness, it’s just reality. Under FSG, for better and worse, we’ve been wired to look for value and to avoid paying a “because we can” premium.
Paying more six months later? That’s not how we do it
Fans can argue about ambition all day, and I get it, because everyone wants that shiny new signing feeling again. But paying more now for something you could have done cheaper earlier doesn’t feel like smart business, it feels like panic.
And truth is, it sounded like Guehi only really made sense because of his contract situation. If that leverage disappears and the price goes north, then the club’s stance is predictable. Not always exciting. Predictable.
Would he (or Semenyo) actually change Liverpool?
This is where some of the anger feels a bit misplaced. What are we upset about exactly? That we missed out on a good player, or that a competitor got him so it stings?
Take Semenyo. What difference would he make in our current style? Where does he fit, and what problem is he solving? With Guehi, are we saying he’s coming in to replace Virgil van Dijk on the left side of the centre-back pairing? If not, then you’re still looking at Ibrahima Konate starting most weeks anyway.
Both are very good players. Neither screams “this changes everything”. And that matters when you’re weighing up big money.
We do need centre-backs. Just not necessarily that one
Let’s be clear: this isn’t me defending Arne Slot, Hughes, or anyone else at the club. Liverpool obviously need to address centre-back depth, maybe more than once. But it didn’t have to be Guehi.
Loads of people weren’t even fully convinced in the summer, with the aerial side being the main worry. So if the club have missed out and decided the price isn’t worth it, fine. Take the hit on the vibes and go and find someone better. That, at least, is the bit I’ve still got faith in.
Related Articles
About Liverpool News Views
Liverpool News Views offers daily Liverpool coverage including match reaction, transfer analysis, EFL context, tactical breakdowns and opinion-led articles written by supporters for supporters.