Liverpool are set to have an intense end to the 2025 summer transfer window. The Reds have already had a busy few months, signing the likes of Florian Wirtz, Hugo Ekitike and Jeremie Frimpong to strengthen Arne Slot’s title-winning side. Yet, there may still be incomings.
Alexander Isak remains the top target, of course, although long-standing interest remains in Marc Guehi. The Crystal Palace captain continues to be linked with the Merseysiders, with a £35m deal reportedly what it would take to prise him away from Selhurst Park. The England international is out of contract at the end of the season.
If a deal for Guehi does not materialise for the Reds, they could pursue an alternative target at centre-back.
Liverpool considering Guehi alternative
It seems clear with ten days or so left in the transfer window that Liverpool are ready to spend again. If they do indeed sign a new centre-back, then Guehi seems to be the ideal choice for Slot. However, it is not a guarantee at this stage.
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If a deal for the Palace star does not come off, then the Reds could turn their attention to Brentford and Ireland international Nathan Collins. Caught Offside report that he is ‘one of the names’ on the list at Anfield this summer if they fail to land Guehi.
This will not be an easy deal to do. Firstly, having already lost Bryan Mbeumo, Christian Norgaard and potentially Yoane Wissa, Brentford are ‘eager not to lose more key players’ before the window slams shut.
On top of that, Liverpool will face competition from Manchester United, although Slot’s side are said to be in a ‘stronger position financially’, while Tottenham Hotspur are the frontrunners. A fee is not yet clear, but surely the Bees would want to make a profit on the £23m they spent on Collins in 2023.
Why Collins would be a good signing
There is no doubt that signing Collins would be a smart move for the Reds. He is a Premier League-proven defender who comes with a great reputation and is already up to speed with the pace of the English top flight.
The 24-year-old, who was named Brentford captain at the start of the season, has played 78 times for the Londoners so far. In that time, he’s played 90 minutes in all but six of those appearances.
The former Wolves star, who has also played for Burnley, is a goal threat in the penalty box, too. He’s bagged four goals for the club and assisted six, which included an impressive five assists last term in the Premier League.
This is certainly a deal that could see Liverpool sign their second coming of Virgil van Dijk. The legendary Dutchman also joined from a Premier League side, signing from Southampton back in 2017 for £75m.
The rest, as they say, is history. Now Liverpool skipper, Van Dijk has featured 321 times for the Reds, helping his side to lift two Premier League titles and the Champions League.
Back in 2023, former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp called him “the best defender in the world”.
There are certainly similarities between Van Dijk and Collins. Not only would they have both come from fellow Premier League clubs, but the Ireland star could be described as “dominant”, just as football talent scout Jacek Kulig did. You could certainly use the same word to describe Van Dijk after the years of success he’s enjoyed at the top.
Statistically, the pair are similar, too. For example, Collins averaged 3.34 progressive passes and 4.26 ball recoveries per 90 minutes last season. In comparison, Van Dijk chalked up 5.35 progressive passes and 3.11 ball recoveries each game.
Progressive passes
3.34
5.35
Clearances
5.95
5.14
Tackles and interceptions
1.95
2.54
Ball recoveries
4.26
3.11
Aerial duels won
3.08
3.22
Progressive carries
0.84
0.59
Although there is no definitive fee, a move for Collins could be extremely smart for the Reds. There are certainly shades of Van Dijk in the deal and in his game, with the dominance shown off the ball and the quality they have in possession. The pair are also towering figures at 6 foot 4 and 6 foot 5, respectively, while also captaining their current sides.
Liverpool fans would love for him to become the second coming of their club legend.
If they miss out on Guehi, signing Collins instead this summer might be the perfect move to help Slot’s Liverpool side continue their dominance.