Liverpool are interested in signing both Marc Guehi and Giovanni Leoni this summer, but there is one they simply cannot afford to miss out on
Marc Guehi of Crystal Palace continues to be linked with a move to Liverpool
Marc Guehi of Crystal Palace continues to be linked with a move to Liverpool
(Image: Photo by Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images)
They say you wait ages for a bus, and then two come along at once. That very much seems to be the case for Liverpool, with centre-back long viewed by supporters as a position in desperate need of reinforcement this summer.
With Joe Gomez’s persistent injury issues and the sale of Jarell Quansah to Bayer Leverkusen, Arne Slot heads into Friday’s Premier League opener against Bournemouth with just two fit senior centre-backs at his disposal.
That may be about to change, however, with Liverpool stepping up their pursuit of not just Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi, but also Parma teenager Giovanni Leoni - hence, two arriving at once.
ECHO Sport reported on Tuesday that the Reds are poised to intensify their interest in Leoni, who is also attracting attention from several clubs in Italy. Liverpool have also opened talks with Palace over a potential £35 million deal for their captain, who has just one year remaining on his contract at Selhurst Park.
Palace chairman Steve Parish admitted over the weekend, following the London club’s Community Shield triumph over Liverpool on penalties, that they cannot afford to lose Guehi for free next summer. His comments strongly suggested a deal could be done before the transfer deadline, unless a new contract is agreed.
While some reports suggest Liverpool’s pursuit of Guehi is progressing well, others have taken a more cautious view. The Guardian’s Ed Aarons claims Palace boss Oliver Glasner would prefer to keep the 25-year-old and see out his contract, as they prepare for a European campaign, albeit only in the UEFA Europa Conference League.
That same report adds that Guehi is prepared to remain at Palace for one more year if a deal cannot be agreed. It’s also worth noting that clubs such as Barcelona and Juventus are expected to show interest next summer should he become a free agent, which only adds urgency for Liverpool to act now and avoid competition down the line.
Guehi may favour a switch to Anfield this summer, according to reports, but that could easily change if one of Europe’s other heavyweights, such as Barcelona, joins the race. He represents the ideal addition to Slot’s squad this summer as they aim to retain their Premier League title and mount a deeper run in the Champions League. Simply put, Liverpool cannot afford to miss out on him.
As already mentioned, depth at centre-back is a serious concern, and the season hasn’t even truly begun. Quansah is gone, Gomez is injured, and only Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate are fit and available.
There may be some versatility in the squad, with midfielders like Ryan Gravenberch and Wataru Endo capable of filling in if needed, but Liverpool have already learned the hard way what a lack of depth can do. During the injury crisis of 2020/21, they lost the ability to defend their title and almost missed out on a top-four finish entirely.
Leoni alone cannot be viewed as sufficient depth for a squad aiming to compete on all fronts. At just 18, and with only one full senior season under his belt, he should be seen as one for the future. A smart signing to get ahead of the curve before other top clubs come calling further down the line.
Guehi, however, is a signing for the present and is someone who would provide Liverpool with the depth and quality to rotate Van Dijk and Konate regularly. That’s a luxury Slot arguably lacked last season, as he clearly didn’t place full trust in Quansah, and that was reflected in the 22-year-old’s limited minutes.
Liverpool were right to move Quansah on, as he will benefit from being first-choice elsewhere. The inclusion of a buy-back clause in the deal suggests the club recognises his potential and have left the door open for a future return.
But that move only makes sense if the player brought in to replace him is an upgrade and capable of making an immediate impact. Guehi is that player. His quality, leadership and contract situation make him a no-brainer.
It’s also worth remembering that Liverpool face a similar dilemma with Konate, who is now entering the final year of his own contract. Whether a renewal can be agreed remains to be seen and it is no surprise Real Madrid are reportedly keeping a close eye on the situation.
Guehi’s arrival would provide a buffer against that scenario. He would already have a year under his belt if Konate were to depart, which would soften the blow and ensure continuity.
And with minimal, if any, competition for his signature this summer, Guehi is simply a signing Liverpool cannot afford to wait on, or risk missing out on altogether.