Liverpool have been urged to stay alert in the market if uncertainty around Manchester City creates a rare opening for Premier League rivals. Speaking to TeamTalk , Emile Heskey made a strong case for Liverpool to pursue Marc Guehi and Antoine Semenyo, two players he believes would fit naturally into Andoni Iraola’s plans at Anfield.

The wider backdrop is obvious. Ongoing scrutiny around Manchester City’s financial position has fuelled repeated speculation over possible disruption, and that has inevitably prompted discussion about whether elite talent across the division could become more attainable. In that context, Heskey’s comments focused less on noise and more on recruitment logic, value and suitability.

For Liverpool, that is where this conversation becomes interesting. Guehi and Semenyo are established Premier League performers, both entering the stage of their careers where they look ready for another jump. Combined, they are valued at £131m, and while any deal at that level would demand major thought, the profile of both players lines up with what Liverpool need from this next cycle.

Heskey’s assessment of Guehi was direct and revealing. “Yes, they should definitely go for them if the chance arises,” he said, before explaining why opportunism matters at the top end of the market. “You try and pick up players at the best rate you could possibly get when it happens. We’ve seen Leicester have to sell off the whole squad, apart from the young lads. So it happens – that’s what happens in football.”

On Guehi specifically, the former Liverpool forward was clear about the defensive qualities that stand out. “I think Marc Guehi is a very composed, strong defender.” That description alone will catch attention at Anfield, where Liverpool continue to look for defenders who can cope in space, defend aggressively and still contribute in possession.

Heskey expanded further, saying: “He’s strong in one-on-ones, and he’s very composed on the ball because he’s played at that level. He came through at Chelsea, so playing out from the back is something he understands in the way the manager would want, and Iraola would love it.”

That final line, “Iraola would love it”, is perhaps the key takeaway. Liverpool’s head coach wants intensity, athleticism and clarity in build-up. Guehi’s ability to defend duels and progress play cleanly suggests he would offer exactly that. Heskey rounded off his view by adding: “He’s what I would describe as a very capable centre-back, and I think he’s a fantastic player.”

If Guehi represents a structural addition at the back, Semenyo looks more like a disruptive attacking option, the kind of forward who changes the rhythm of a game. Liverpool’s attack has evolved again, and there is room for another wide player who can stretch defences, carry the ball and finish chances.