Liverpool are emerging as the frontrunners to secure Crystal Palace’s star defender Marc Guehi before the transfer window slams shut, but the Reds have a daring contingency plan in place should the deal fall through. With Guehi’s contract at Selhurst Park entering its final year, Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish has admitted that the England international’s departure is increasingly likely unless a new contract can be agreed upon.
“Of course we have to face it,” Parish said regarding Guehi’s potential exit. “It’s unfortunate, but a player of his calibre leaving on a free transfer would be a massive issue for us. Joachim [Andersen] already left for Fulham last year, and we can’t afford to lose both. We had another offer for Guehi in January, but the situation was different then. Let’s see what happens. It’s either a new contract or a resolution.”
Crystal Palace are holding firm on a £40 million valuation for Guehi, while Liverpool are pushing to negotiate a lower fee, given the defender’s contract situation. With Parish’s candid comments, it seems probable that Guehi will depart this summer. However, if Liverpool fail to secure the 25-year-old, they have identified an exciting alternative in Serie A: Parma’s 18-year-old centre-back Giovanni Leoni.
A Rising Star from Parma
Standing at an imposing 1.93m, Giovanni Leoni has caught Liverpool’s attention despite only making 33 senior appearances for Parma. According to Sky Sport Germany’s Florian Plettenberg, the Reds are “quietly progressing” in their pursuit of the teenage defender and are “seriously considering” him as a fallback option if the Guehi transfer collapses.
Leoni’s rapid rise is remarkable. He began his career at Padova in Serie C, making his senior debut at just 16 years old. Sampdoria secured him on loan in February 2024 before Parma signed him permanently last summer. In the 2024/25 Serie A season, Leoni featured in 17 matches as Parma battled to avoid relegation, ultimately finishing 16th. His performances against some of the world’s top strikers have showcased his potential, despite his young age.
Unlike Guehi, who would likely compete for a starting spot alongside Ibrahima Konate in Arne Slot’s squad, Leoni would be viewed as a long-term investment. The 18-year-old, who won’t turn 19 until December, is seen as a squad player with immense potential rather than an immediate starter.
Liverpool’s Defensive Dilemma
Liverpool’s interest in Leoni comes at a time of uncertainty in their defensive ranks. Ibrahima Konate, a key figure in their backline, is also in the final year of his contract, with interest from European giants Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain. Should Konate depart, Liverpool’s need for defensive reinforcements would become even more pressing.
The Reds have been active in the transfer market this summer, securing the signatures of Florian Wirtz, Hugo Ekitike, Jeremie Frimpong, and Milos Kerkez. However, club captain Virgil van Dijk believes the squad still requires further strengthening, particularly in attack. Speaking to TalkSPORT after Liverpool’s Community Shield defeat to Crystal Palace, Van Dijk said: “Well, we just lost Darwin [Nunez] to Saudi, and we lost Lucho [Luis Diaz] to Bayern Munich. I think there’s always room for a striker to bolster the squad, so let’s see what this transfer window brings in terms of squad balance.”
Slot’s Defensive Focus
While Van Dijk highlighted the need for attacking reinforcements, manager Arne Slot is more concerned with shoring up Liverpool’s defence. Responding to Van Dijk’s comments, Slot said: “I think we have more than enough options to be good enough to win again. This is where my focus lies. With the players we have, we can absolutely win games. In fact, we already have. We scored two goals against Palace, and last season we only managed one against them, both home and away. My least concern right now is our attacking quality. It’s not a worry, but if I look at the number of goals we conceded in pre-season, that’s something we need to address.”
Slot’s emphasis on defensive stability underscores Liverpool’s pursuit of both Guehi and Leoni. Guehi’s experience and proven quality in the Premier League make him the ideal candidate to slot into the starting lineup, but Leoni represents a bold, long-term gamble. The 18-year-old’s towering presence and composure on the ball suggest he could develop into a top-class defender under Slot’s guidance.
A Transfer Window Full of Ambition
Liverpool’s transfer activity this summer reflects their ambition to reclaim their status as Premier League and European contenders. While Guehi remains the priority, the interest in Leoni highlights the club’s willingness to invest in youth and plan for the future. Whether it’s the established Premier League star or the towering Italian teenager, Liverpool’s defence is set for a significant overhaul as the transfer deadline approaches.
As the clock ticks down, all eyes will be on Anfield to see whether Klopp’s bold gamble on youth pays off or if Guehi will be the one to solidify Liverpool’s backline for the 2025/26 season.