Liverpool recommended £19m Marc Guehi alternative loved by Pep Guardiola | Football | Sport

Liverpool have been encouraged to make an approach to Manchester City for a defender following their failure to land Marc Guehi. City have wrapped up a bargain £20million deal for the England international after the Reds’ summer pursuit was scuppered at the final hurdle. Liverpool are still seeking to recruit a centre-back, with Saturday’s 3-2 loss at Bournemouth – which included an injury to Joe Gomez – underscoring the necessity to strengthen at the back.

Former Anfield defender Stephane Henchoz believes City’s Manuel Akanji, presently on loan at Inter Milan, would be an ideal acquisition. Akanji moved to City from Borussia Dortmund in 2022 and played a role in their historic treble success in 2023. When he arrived at City, Pep Guardiola heaped praise on the Switzerland international, who can also operate at full-back. “The movement defensively and offensively, he executes it perfectly,” he said.

“This is a gift for the manager. Some players, you have to explain 10 times or train 10 times to show what you are thinking or what you want to do. This guy needed just one training session and he got it. The movement he has to do as a full-back, the high pressing, he didn’t train once, and he did it perfectly. With the ball, he is a magnificent player.”

However, after falling out of favour at City at the start of this season, Akanji was allowed to join Inter on loan for the rest of the campaign. With his long-term future looking uncertain, Henchoz believes the Reds should take advantage.

He told Hajper: “Our build-up should be three in the back and that’s why in the position we normally play Kyle [Walker] or John [Stones]. He was absolutely perfect. Proof again that intelligent people, always it pays off.

“Manuel Akanji would be an interesting option for Liverpool. He has proven his ability in the Premier League with Manchester City, despite a slightly difficult last season due to injury. He is 30, which is not old for a centre-back, and he has a good injury record.

“I have watched him playing for Inter Milan and the Swiss national team since he left City, and he still has the necessary attributes. He possesses everything you want in a centre-back: pace, power, intelligence, good reading of the game, and comfort in possession.

“Crucially, he knows the Premier League, which is a big advantage for a January transfer. When signing a player in the winter window, you need someone who can fit in and perform immediately.

“Akanji meets those needs. Therefore, if Liverpool cannot secure their first-choice target, Akanji would definitely be an interesting alternative.”

Akanji has been touted for a potential return to City this month following a spate of defensive injuries in Guardiola’s squad. Nevertheless, the player has categorically dismissed such speculation, stating after their Champions League loss to Arsenal: “No, there was no possibility of me returning to City.”

He added: “The earlier question was about whether I’d return in the winter and I said no. What happens at the end of the season is not only up to me, but I’m very happy here and I hope it can continue. We’ll see what happens.”