Liverpool Looking for Alternatives to Replace Guehi!
Liverpool spent months believing Marc Guehi would be the centre-back to anchor their next defensive era. Personal terms were agreed, early medical tests were done, and the Reds felt the deal was secure. Below you will see information about is news which has been summarized The Football Breakdown.
But in the final hours of the transfer window, Crystal Palace refused to approve the final paperwork. Palace were unable to find a replacement in time, forcing them to block the move at the last moment. Liverpool were left frustrated after submitting everything before the deadline. Their only defensive signing, Giovanni Leoni, soon suffered an ACL injury, leaving the squad even thinner.
Instead of strengthening the backline, the club entered the season depending heavily on Virgil van Dijk and a shrinking list of reliable centre-backs. The failed Guehi move intensified pressure on their recruitment strategy and forced the club to expand its scouting efforts.
Liverpool’s Interest in the Ordoñez Duo
As January approaches, Liverpool are still keeping tabs on Guehi but have started exploring new options. One standout name is Joel Ordoñez of Club Brugge, a strong and intelligent young defender who has risen quickly in Belgium. Scouts believe he has the physical profile needed to thrive in the Premier League.
Liverpool are also monitoring another Ecuadorian talent with the same surname: Deinner Ordoñez of Independiente del Valle. Known for producing stars like Caicedo and Paez, the club views him as one of South America’s brightest young defenders. Though not ready for senior football yet, he is seen as a major long-term investment.
The idea of securing two players with strong developmental potential has become increasingly appealing. With depth issues affecting this season, Liverpool are determined not to repeat past mistakes in defensive planning.
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Real Madrid Step Away from the Chase
Liverpool’s chances of finally landing Guehi may have improved after Real Madrid backed out of the race. Reports in Spain say Guehi’s wage and signing-on bonus demands made the transfer too expensive for Madrid’s financial structure.
Guehi has only six months left on his Crystal Palace contract and has already declined multiple renewal offers. Palace expect to lose him but refuse to accept a cheap January sale, meaning he could depart on a free transfer this summer. With Madrid no longer pursuing him, the competition narrows. But Liverpool will still need to act decisively to avoid another missed opportunity in defence.
New Rivals Emerge as Liverpool Plan Next Steps
Bayern Munich and Barcelona have now positioned themselves as serious contenders for Guehi. Both clubs can negotiate a pre-contract agreement in January, giving them a major advantage over Premier League teams. Liverpool may need to move quickly if they truly want the defender. If they fail again, the club will turn toward an expanded list of elite centre-backs.
Names such as Bastoni, Schlotterbeck, and Pacho have already been discussed, although each would require a massive financial commitment. After spending £446 million last summer, Liverpool must decide how aggressive they want to be in 2026. The search for defensive reinforcements continues, and the Reds now face a crucial decision: chase Guehi again or pivot fully toward the rising talents named Ordoñez. Follow footballtipsonline.co.uk for weekly deep dives into football’s biggest stories.
