🚨 Liverpool Hit by Giovanni Leoni Injury Blow — Guehi Signing Now “Essential”
Liverpool’s January transfer strategy has been rocked after teenage defender Giovanni Leoni suffered a season-ending ACL injury during the Reds’ 2-1 Carabao Cup win over Southampton.
The 18-year-old summer arrival from Parma was seen as a long-term project and backup to the senior centre-backs, but his absence leaves Arne Slot dangerously light at the back heading into a crucial stretch of the season.
To make matters worse, Ibrahima Konaté’s contract expires next summer, with Real Madrid reportedly circling. According to Diario AS (24 Sept), Liverpool now face a double dilemma: tie down Konaté to a new deal and finally push through a move for Marc Guehi, the Crystal Palace defender Slot originally wanted in the summer.
Palace’s valuation priced Liverpool out in August, but with Leoni sidelined until next season, the Reds may be forced to meet demands in January. Guehi, 25, has already racked up 137 Palace appearances, seven goals and four assists, and remains a cornerstone of Roy Hodgson’s side.
For now, Slot can only call upon Virgil van Dijk, Konaté and Joe Gomez—a thin rotation for a team competing on four fronts. That lack of depth could prove decisive in the Premier League title race, with rivals Arsenal and Manchester City boasting stronger defensive options.
As one Anfield insider put it: “This injury changes everything. Guehi isn’t just an option now—he’s the signing Liverpool can’t afford to delay.”
