After Guehi, Liverpool are already tracking another defensive target, according to reports.

Liverpool’s defensive strategy appears to have subtly shifted once more, with focus now moving to a new centre-back target after confirmation that Marc Guehi will be continuing his career elsewhere.
Danish outlet PL BOLD, via Alexander Walther Petersen, reports that Liverpool are closely following FC Midtjylland defender Ousmane Diao, with the 21-year-old increasingly viewed as a serious alternative. While scouts from several major European clubs have been frequent visitors to Herning this season, Liverpool are said to be paying particular attention as their defensive plans evolve.
The timing is notable, arriving on the same day Fabrizio Romano confirmed Manchester City had secured Guehi’s signature, prompting Liverpool to swiftly reassess their centre-back options.
Why Diao makes sense for Liverpool
The need for reinforcements is clear.
Ibrahima Konaté’s contract situation remains unresolved, Giovanni Leoni is facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines, and Joe Gomez has struggled to provide consistent stability alongside Virgil van Dijk. Against that backdrop, Diao’s profile becomes increasingly appealing.
At 187cm, the right-footed centre-back has already gained valuable experience in both the Europa League and Danish Superliga. Despite his young age, he has built a reputation for calmness, aerial ability and reliability.
In Europe this season, Diao has started five of Midtjylland’s six matches, scoring twice, helping keep three clean sheets and averaging 6.2 clearances per game, while winning 67% of his aerial duels, according to Sofascore. Those figures suggest a defender comfortable under pressure and well suited to high-stakes environments.
On the domestic front, the Senegal international has started eight Superliga matches, contributing a goal and an assist while maintaining an impressive 85% pass completion rate, highlighting his ability to play out from the back.
Importantly, Diao is not unfamiliar with Liverpool’s squad. He previously described facing Hugo Ekitike in Europa League competition as “particularly difficult,” praising the striker’s movement, pace and physicality — a comment that underlines his experience against top-level opposition.
While Diao may lack the immediate profile Marc Guehi would have offered, Liverpool’s interest appears to reflect a considered adjustment rather than a reactive move. As Arne Slot continues reshaping the defence, this could be another example of the club positioning itself smartly ahead of the next transfer window rather than chasing headlines.