Liverpool Evaluate Ousmane Diomande as Marc Guehi Alternative

Key Takeaways:

• Liverpool intensified their pursuit of Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi on transfer deadline day, but were unsuccessful
• Ousmane Diomande has emerged as a possible backup option, with the club actively monitoring his progress
• Defensive concerns persist due to Giovanni Leoni’s injury and Ibrahima Konate’s contract uncertainty

Analysis of Liverpool’s Defensive Priorities

Liverpool are reported to be considering Ousmane Diomande as an alternative target following a failed attempt to sign Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace before the recent transfer window closed. The Reds made a late bid for the Eagles’ captain, hoping to bolster their defensive ranks, but were ultimately unable to finalise an agreement.

Earlier, Liverpool had secured the signing of Giovanni Leoni, aiming to add depth to their back line. However, the 18-year-old suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury on his debut, significantly compromising their defensive options. Complicating matters further, Ibrahima Konate’s current contract is set to expire at the close of the campaign, leading to continued doubts about his long-term future at Anfield.

🚨🔴 Liverpool is seriously considering a move for Sporting CP center-back Ousmane Diomande, who was identified via the club's data profiling as a perfect fit for Slot's system 😳👀

(@talkSPORT) pic.twitter.com/ljPD3oO4UT

— Liverpool Zone (@LiverpoolZNE) October 7, 2025

Interest in Diomande and Guehi’s Standout Appeal

With these issues in mind, Liverpool are reported to be contemplating another central defensive addition during the January transfer window. While Marc Guehi remains the principal target, the club are also evaluating other candidates. According to Gianluca Di Marzio, Ousmane Diomande is one of the players currently under consideration by the Anfield hierarchy.

“Liverpool are interested in Diomande,” the Italian revealed. “I don’t think they’ll go for him in January, but they’re definitely scouting him. Liverpool work a lot, scouting players for months and months; they like to see the player in different situations, on and off the pitch.

“Diomande is one of the players Liverpool are following. [That] doesn’t mean they’ll go for him in January, but for sure, he’s one of the more interesting players in Europe, and Liverpool are following him.”

Di Marzio also highlighted Liverpool’s ongoing pursuit of Marc Guehi, observing that the Palace defender could be ideally suited to step in following Leoni’s injury. Club recruitment may depend heavily on Crystal Palace’s stance in January, while changes to Joe Gomez’ situation could further influence Liverpool’s strategy.

Di Marzio continued, “I think they’re more focused on getting Marc Guehi. He’s the perfect addition after Leoni’s injury, to have one player that is ready to play in the Premier League and Champions League. It depends a lot on Crystal Palace. Everybody thought he’d join Liverpool, but in the end, they said no.

“It also depends on Joe Gomez. AC Milan wanted him in the summer, and if they come back for him in January, Liverpool will have to find another defender, and they’ll probably raise the offer for Guehi and convince Crystal Palace to let him go. It depends a lot on Palace’s situation in January too.”

Konate’s Contract and Broader Defensive Complications

Despite exit rumours, Di Marzio is convinced that Ibrahima Konate will remain at Liverpool throughout the winter transfer window, even if his contract negotiations do not reach a resolution.

“If he doesn’t renew the contract, he could join Real Madrid, but this won’t happen in January,” he stated. “Liverpool currently have a problem in defence as they invested in Leoni, but he’s out because of injury for seven to eight months. They don’t have enough players in that role, and I don’t think they will let the player go in January.

“If he doesn’t renew his contract, anything can happen; Real Madrid, with Alexander-Arnold, they appreciate Premier League players. If Konate is out of contract, it is a very good opportunity for them to get him, [which] could happen, but not in January.”