Liverpool saw their key defensive addition of this summer transfer window come frustratingly close to getting over the line before his club, namely the manager, pulled the plug on it all. Now what?
Let's take a look at how Arne Slot can manage the defense without the England international arriving after all.
Gomez eager to stake his claim
As Guehi’s Merseyside switch failed to materialize, so too did a possible exit for Liverpool’s longest-serving player, Joe Gomez.
The centre back was subject to interest from many clubs across Europe, AC Milan chief among them.
However, the reality of the domino effect, or lack thereof, means that Gomez can still play a vital role in Liverpool's success this season.
With Jarrell Quansah departing for Bayer Leverkusen, the 28-year-old is comfortably Arne Slot’s third-choice centre back, who proved his worth in the 1-0 triumph over Arsenal before the international break.
Gomez was colossal at the back after being substituted on in the 79th minute, making seven clearances, one of which prevented Victor Gyokeres from equalising at the front post.
The fitness record of Ibrahima Konate suggests that Joe Gomez will enjoy a run in the side at some point this season, and Liverpool fans have every reason to back him, providing he stays fit.
Shades of Milner in Endo’s reliability
One of Arne Slot’s miserly regrets from last season will have been his inability to trust Wataru Endo earlier in the season.
While Ryan Gravenberch was pivotal in the Reds’ title-winning campaign, the Dutchman also played far too many minutes without a like-for-like replacement.
However, Endo’s commitment to playing the situation, rather than his own game, has earned him several plaudits among Kopites.
His outings during pre-season suggest the possibility that Endo is deployed at centre back sooner rather than later, as a Carabao Cup contest against Southampton invites the opportunity.
Comfortable on the ball, yet combative when required, the Japanese captain offers Slot an alternative in his search for a solution.
The only thing that may hinder his effectiveness at centre half is his height, but if Liverpool’s recent games are anything to go by, there is always the option of simply outscoring the opponent.
Baptism of fire for Leoni could prove detrimental to growth
In a record-breaking transfer window that saw the Reds shell out an astounding £446 million over the summer, one would be excused if the signing of Giovanni Leoni was swept under the rug.
The 18-year-old centre back was signed from Parma for £26 million, with a view on improving the squad in the present but more importantly in the future.
The acquisition of Leoni at such a young age indicates that he could be a mainstay at the back, but questions remain over his suitability in the present day.
Upon joining Parma from Sampdoria in August 2024, Leoni made just 17 top-flight appearances, meaning the Reds will have to manage his game time carefully to avoid hindering his development.
Can pressure create a diamond?
Liverpool fans will also be aware of the growing pains the Italian will likely experience during his formative years on Merseyside, as Stefan Bajcetic and Conor Bradley have recently seen theirs draw to a close.
On the other hand, Barcelona centre back Pau Cubarsi, who made his debut a day before his 17th birthday, has made 56 appearances for the Catalans, most of which have come under Hansi Flick.
Flick’s famously high back line undoubtedly tests the physicality of Barcelona’s centre-backs, and Cubarsi came through last season’s title-winning campaign relatively unscathed.
Ultimately, whether it’s Giovanni Leoni, Joe Gomez, or even Wataru Endo, Slot can take comfort in knowing that his centre-back options will be raring to go, and perhaps Marc Guehi will be less of a miss than first feared.