Liverpool is moving swiftly in the summer transfer market, as the club pushes to close a £70 million double swoop. The Premier League champions are eyeing Marc Guéhi from Crystal Palace and Giovanni Leoni from Parma Calcio 1913. Talks are underway, which signals a strong intent from Arne Slot to strengthen the backline ahead of the new season.
This move fits Slot’s vision of building a squad that can compete in the present and the long run. Guéhi has the experience needed to steady the defence, while Leoni offers the potential to grow into a mainstay at Anfield.
As both deals progress, Liverpool fans can expect one of the club’s strongest transfer moves yet. The double signing can boost Liverpool’s defence and show clear intent to stay at the top of the league. Read more here for a closer look at the Reds’ ambitious double transfer push.
Guéhi’s clearer path to Anfield
Marc Guéhi has been on Liverpool’s radar for quite some time. His standout performance during Crystal Palace’s FA Community Shield win vs Liverpool only reaffirmed his value. Guéhi’s composure and leadership at the back made him one of the Premier League’s top defenders. Slot’s interest shows his desire to add both quality and stability to the Reds’ squad.
Last summer, Palace rejected offers of up to £70 million from Newcastle United for Guéhi. This window, Liverpool opened talks for a deal worth £30 million plus £5 million in add-ons, which is half of what Newcastle once bid. It’s an offer that Palace can now consider. Their absence from the Europa League has put them under financial pressure, which makes a reduced fee more practical.
Guéhi is also in the final year of his contract and has shown no signs of signing an extension. Letting him leave as a free agent next year would be a major loss for Palace. Negotiations have moved smoothly since Tuesday, August 12. While no fixed terms have been agreed on yet, the defender is said to be keen on joining Liverpool.
Giovanni Leoni: Parma’s rising star
At just 18 years old, Giovanni Leoni has quickly emerged as one of Europe’s most promising young defenders. He debuted in Parma’s first team during the second half of Serie A last season, which led to a call-up to Italy’s Under-21 squad. Leoni is best known for his athleticism, physical presence, and understanding of the game.
On August 13, the Reds successfully closed in a £26 million deal (plus add-ons) to bring Leoni to Anfield. With the new centre-back on the team, Leoni is set to be part of the first-team setup alongside captain Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konate, and Joe Gomez.
Two signings for one clear vision
While the deals for Guéhi and Leoni are independent of each other, Liverpool’s interest in both highlights a clear defensive tactic.
Even transfer expert Fabrizio Romano pointed out that the Reds are serious about signing both players, not just picking one over the other. This approach outlines a broader vision under the slot: one that values both immediate impact and future planning.
As Virgil van Dijk’s long-term future with the squad becomes uncertain, Guéhi and Leoni would be vital in keeping Liverpool’s defence strong for years. Under Slot, they could be the foundation of success at Anfield.
Read more here to follow Liverpool transfer updates.
