Liverpool Push for Double Defensive Deal: Marc Guehi and Giovanni Leoni

Liverpool want to sign Marc Guehi and Giovanni Leoni to strengthen their defense before the transfer window closes.

WHAT HAPPENED

Liverpool have started talks with Crystal Palace to sign England international Marc Guehi. Guehi has one year left on his Palace contract. Palace want around £30 million plus add-ons for his transfer. Liverpool are also interested in 18-year-old Parma defender Giovanni Leoni, who is also wanted by Inter Milan. Reports say Liverpool are actively working on both these signings, as they need defensive reinforcements.

WHY LIVERPOOL NEED DEFENDERS

The Premier League winners sold Jarell Quansah to Bayer Leverkusen this month. Joe Gomez is also injured. Manager Arne Slot wants an experienced defender as the team is conceding a lot of goals, and Guehi fits the bill due to his Premier League experience and leadership. Leoni would be a long-term project for which Parma are demanding around €40 million. Leoni also wants to stay in Italy unless convinced by a project.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Liverpool want to start their title defense strongly, and signing Guehi and Leoni will strengthen their squad. Guehi has been one of the Premier League’s most reliable defenders since joining Palace in 2021. He also has leadership qualities and has been capped for England. Leoni, meanwhile, has impressed during his limited opportunities at Parma. Despite his young age, he has shown great maturity and composure on the pitch, drawing interest from Europe’s top clubs.

PALACE AND PARMA’S STANCE

Palace are demanding around £30 million for Guehi, but chairman Steve Parish admitted the club cannot afford to lose Guehi for free. As a result, they are open to selling him as soon as possible. Parma, meanwhile, value Leoni at around €40 million. They will not let him go for less, and that remains a hurdle for Leoni’s suitors. Parma, therefore, have the upper hand in negotiations, as the defender is locked up until 2028.

WHAT NEXT?

Liverpool will look to wrap up a deal for at least one of Guehi or Leoni before their next league match. Palace started the season targeting a stable mid-table finish, and selling Guehi could force them back into the market. Parma, on the other hand, would love to keep Leoni to strengthen their ambitions for a similar finish.