Liverpool could use secret weapon to ensure everyone wins in Marc Guehi transfer saga

Liverpool have already sprung a surprise or two in the transfer market this summer.

The Reds are generally a hard team to predict when it comes to incomings and outgoings, with plans often kept well under wraps.

With incredibly accomplished operators such as Michael Edwards and Richard Hughes pulling the transfer strings, recruitment at Liverpool is incredibly thought out and, sometimes, unexpected.

What can always be banked on, though, is that Liverpool will have a plan up their sleeve for every occasion.

This summer, as they reportedly try to lure Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi to Anfield, they have been faced with a stumbling block or two.

There have been claims that Guehi could reject a move to Liverpool based on a lack of game, but Palace may also price the Reds out of a move for a player with one year left on his contract. But as the Reds attempt to get their man, Edwards and Hughes could deploy a secret weapon.

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Liverpool could swap Ben Doak for Marc Guehi

After agreeing to sell Jarell Quansah to Bayer Leverkusen, Liverpool need a new centre-back this summer. If Guehi is the man they want, then they should move fast to ensure they get him.

Although Palace are reportedly keen to sell their captain with just 12 months left on his contract, there have been suggestions that Guehi could still cost around £50m.

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For Liverpool, that would not represent good business. As a club who often try to exact maximum value from their dealings, it simply would not make sense.

Nevertheless, if Palace stand firm on their valuation, Liverpool could tempt them by offering first dibs on young forward Ben Doak.

READ MORE: Details emerge of Jarell Quansah’s Liverpool buy-back clause as Richard Hughes plots Anfield return

Palace tried to sign Doak in January, seeing a £15m bid rejected by the Reds. While Liverpool would want far more for Doak, perhaps an understanding over the Scotsman and Guehi can be reached.

Direct player swaps do not tend to happen at the top level of the game anymore. But as Liverpool showed by signing two players and selling one to Leverkusen this summer, there are ways to do business which works for everyone. They could do a similar trade-off here.

Liverpool can ensure everyone wins

While Palace are seemingly happy to let Guehi leave this summer, they clearly want to ensure they get a good fee for a player they rejected £70m bids for only six months ago.

However, with Guehi happy to leave on a free next year, the east Londoners are going to have to be realistic with their price-tag.

From a Liverpool point of view, offering Doak as a way of securing a lower fee would get them a good deal themselves, while also bolstering Palace in the process.

Furthermore, with Doak seemingly not in Arne Slot’s plans next season, the move would be a good one for the 19-year-old, who can get his Premier League career properly up and running.

This is a scenario where Doak, Guehi, Liverpool and Crystal Palace can all get what they want. An ‘everyone wins’ deal is rare in football, but the Reds can make one happen here.

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