With negotiations ongoing for both players and positive signals coming from each camp, Anfield could be set for one of its most decisive double signings in recent memory. If the deals go through, it will underline the Reds’ determination to remain at the top, not just this season, but well into the next generation.
Liverpool’s summer recruitment drive is far from over, with the club making an ambitious push to bring in not one, but two central defenders before the transfer window closes. Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi and Parma’s teenage prodigy Giovanni Leoni have emerged as priority targets, as the Reds aim to strengthen their backline for both the present and the future.
Balancing Today’s Needs with Tomorrow’s Potential
The move for Guehi is all about proven quality. At 25, the England international is entering his prime and already has the leadership pedigree of captaining a Premier League side. Liverpool’s discussions with Palace are said to be progressing, with a fee of around £30 million plus £5 million in add-ons expected to be enough to get the deal done. Guehi’s arrival would add instant competition alongside Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate, particularly important given Joe Gomez’s current injury.
Leoni, by contrast, represents a long-term investment. The 18-year-old has turned heads in Serie A with his composure, strength, and ability to play out from the back. Sources in Italy suggest Parma want €30 million (£25.9m) plus €5 million (£4.3m) in bonuses. Initially, there were doubts over whether Leoni would be tempted away from Italy so early in his career, but reports now indicate he has already given Liverpool the green light.
No Either-Or — Liverpool Want Both
Importantly, this isn’t a case of Liverpool choosing one over the other. The club’s recruitment team, led by Richard Hughes, is working to land both defenders in a single window. Guehi would slot straight into the first team, while Leoni could be developed under Arne Slot and the coaching staff without the immediate pressure of being a regular starter.
The registration situation also works in Liverpool’s favour. Guehi qualifies as homegrown in both the Premier League and Champions League, while Leoni’s status as an U21 player means he wouldn’t impact the senior foreign-player quota. In time, the Italian could even qualify as homegrown if he spends three years registered in England or Wales.
A Clear Statement of Intent
Liverpool’s approach fits perfectly with their modern transfer philosophy — blending established performers with exciting prospects to keep the squad competitive over the long term. It’s the same blueprint that saw them integrate the likes of Luis DÃaz and Dominik Szoboszlai, while also nurturing younger names like Harvey Elliott and Jarell Quansah.
By securing Guehi and Leoni, Liverpool would not only solve their current depth concerns but also lay the foundations for a future without Van Dijk — ensuring continuity at the heart of their defence for years to come.
With negotiations ongoing for both players and positive signals coming from each camp, Anfield could be set for one of its most decisive double signings in recent memory. If the deals go through, it will underline the Reds’ determination to remain at the top, not just this season, but well into the next generation.
