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Introduction
Liverpool’s summer transfer window looks set to heat up even further as the club edges closer to securing a major defensive reinforcement. Personal terms have already been agreed with Crystal Palace centre-back Marc Guehi
Guehi, while highly-rated teenager Giovanni Leoni is also eager to join the Reds. Negotiations with Palace are ongoing, with the total package for Guehi believed to be in the region of £35 million. If all goes well, the deal could be wrapped up in the coming days.
This is not a case of Liverpool choosing one player over the other. Guehi and Leoni are being pursued at the same time, with the club eager to strengthen both the present and the future of its defensive setup.
Why Guehi Fits the Bill for Liverpool
Marc Guehi has built a strong reputation in the Premier League over the past few seasons. At 24, he has already established himself as a dependable centre-back for Crystal Palace and has become a regular feature in the England squad. His calmness under pressure, intelligent positioning, and ability to carry the ball out from the back have made him one of the most sought-after defenders in the league.
Liverpool’s interest is hardly surprising. With the team competing on multiple fronts, the need for depth and quality in defence is obvious. Injuries to key players in recent campaigns have shown how quickly the squad can be stretched. Guehi’s arrival would not only bring immediate quality but also add stability for the long term.
From a tactical standpoint, Guehi’s composure on the ball and comfort in a high defensive line make him a natural fit for Arne Slot’s style of play. His strong aerial presence would also help Liverpool in both defensive and attacking set-pieces, an area where the team has sometimes lacked consistency.
Negotiations with Palace: The £35 Million Question
While agreeing personal terms with Guehi marks significant progress, Liverpool’s work is far from done. Crystal Palace are known to be tough negotiators and will not let one of their star players leave easily. The £35 million figure being discussed is believed to be a total package that could include performance-related add-ons.
For Palace, losing Guehi would be a blow, but the potential fee would represent a solid return on the investment they made when signing him from Chelsea. It would also give them the resources to strengthen their own squad ahead of the new season.
From Liverpool’s perspective, the price is steep but justifiable. Premier League-proven defenders in their mid-20s who have already played international football rarely come cheap. If Guehi performs to expectations, he could prove to be one of the bargains of the summer, even at this figure.
The Exciting Prospect of Giovanni Leoni
While Guehi would be an immediate addition to the starting picture, Giovanni Leoni represents an investment in the future. The teenage defender, currently making waves in Italy, has made it clear that he is keen on a move to Anfield. His talent, maturity, and potential have attracted attention from several top European clubs, but Liverpool are moving decisively to secure his signature.
Leoni is highly regarded for his reading of the game, clean tackling, and composure beyond his years. Standing tall and confident in one-on-one duels, he has the traits to develop into a top-level centre-back. Bringing him in now would allow him to learn from experienced players like Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konaté, giving him the perfect environment to grow.
Liverpool’s Double Defensive Drive
The key detail here is that Liverpool are not treating Guehi and Leoni as alternatives. The club is actively working on both deals in parallel. This is a significant point because it shows a shift in approach compared to some previous windows where Liverpool’s transfer business felt reactive.
Arne Slot and the recruitment team appear intent on ensuring the defence is well-equipped for both the present season and the years ahead. Guehi would immediately bolster the first-team options, while Leoni would be a project player who could step up over time. This dual-track recruitment strategy gives Liverpool greater flexibility and depth, something that could be vital in maintaining consistency across the season.
The Bigger Picture for Liverpool’s Summer
Liverpool’s summer activity has already sparked plenty of debate among supporters. The squad overhaul, following the departure of Jürgen Klopp, was always going to be a balancing act between strengthening key areas and maintaining stability. Defensive reinforcements have been high on the list, especially with Joël Matip leaving and Joe Gomez often covering multiple positions.
Guehi’s arrival would offer a ready-made partner for Van Dijk or Konaté, while also providing strong rotation options to avoid overloading key players. Meanwhile, securing Leoni would demonstrate that Liverpool are thinking ahead, ensuring they have young talent ready to step up when the time comes.
The timing of these moves is also crucial. Wrapping up deals before the season begins allows new signings to integrate fully during pre-season, which can be vital for building understanding on the pitch. For defenders, especially, developing chemistry with teammates is essential.
How Guehi Could Change Liverpool’s Defence
If Guehi signs, his influence could be felt immediately. Slot could opt for a rotation system that keeps all his centre-backs fresh, while also giving him the option to adapt formations depending on the opposition. Guehi’s versatility means he can play comfortably in both a back four and a back three, which would allow Liverpool to switch between systems without losing stability.
Another benefit is his leadership qualities. Even at a young age, Guehi has captained sides and shown maturity beyond his years. That kind of presence can be invaluable in tight games or high-pressure situations.
Leoni as a Long-Term Success Story
Leoni’s development would likely be more gradual, but Liverpool fans should not underestimate the excitement surrounding him. Signing a teenager with such potential is a statement of intent. The club has a strong track record of nurturing young players, and Leoni could follow a similar path to the likes of Trent Alexander-Arnold, gradually earning his place in the first team.
In the short term, he could feature in cup competitions and lower-pressure league matches, giving him valuable minutes without the burden of expectation. Over the next few seasons, he could emerge as a key part of Liverpool’s defensive core.
Conclusion
Liverpool’s pursuit of both Marc Guehi and Giovanni Leoni signals an ambitious approach to building a defence that can compete now and dominate in the future. By targeting a Premier League-proven international and a highly promising teenager at the same time, the club is balancing immediate needs with long-term planning.
If the Guehi deal is completed for around £35 million, it would be a significant investment, but one that could pay off handsomely. Adding Leoni to the mix would make the summer even more exciting, giving Liverpool fans reason to believe the club is setting itself up for sustained success.
With negotiations moving forward and personal terms already agreed for Guehi, the next few days could be decisive. Should both players arrive, Liverpool’s defensive unit will look stronger, deeper, and more adaptable than it has in years.
Anfield may soon be welcoming not one but two new centre-backs, each bringing their own strengths, potential, and ambition to a team eager to write the next chapter in its storied history.
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The Liverpool FC Times Team
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