Liverpool Turn Attention to Maxence Lacroix After Guehi Setback

Liverpool’s pursuit of defensive reinforcements has taken another twist. The Reds were reportedly on the verge of landing Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace earlier this summer, only for the deal to collapse at the final hurdle. Palace pulled the plug after failing to secure a suitable replacement for their captain, leaving Liverpool’s backline plans in limbo.

Guehi remains firmly on Liverpool’s radar, with the England international set to become a free agent in 2026. However, according to Football Insider, the Merseyside club could now move sooner—potentially in the January window—and have identified Guehi’s Palace teammate Maxence Lacroix as a strong alternative.

Lacroix Fits Liverpool’s Defensive Blueprint

Valued at around £22 million, Lacroix has quickly earned a reputation as one of the Premier League’s most underrated defenders. The Frenchman boasts exceptional pace, sharp tackling, and an imposing aerial presence—qualities that would fit seamlessly into Arne Slot’s high-intensity defensive setup.

While Lacroix isn’t as polished when it comes to ball progression compared to Guehi, his defensive awareness and physical dominance make him a reliable and affordable option for Liverpool, especially as they look to bolster depth following Giovanni Leoni’s injury.

January Move Unlikely, But Not Impossible

Despite Liverpool’s interest, a January move for Lacroix may prove difficult. Palace boss Oliver Glasner reportedly blocked Guehi’s exit in the summer due to the lack of a replacement, and he’s expected to take a similar stance with Lacroix, who has become just as vital to his system.

Still, with Liverpool’s defensive resources stretched thin across the Premier League and Champions League, the Reds are under increasing pressure to act. Whether it’s Guehi, Lacroix, or another target entirely, one thing is certain—Liverpool’s hunt for a new centre-back is far from over.