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Liverpool Weigh Up Defensive Reinforcement After Giovanni Leoni Blow

Liverpool are actively assessing whether to dip into the January transfer market for a new centre-back after Giovanni Leoni suffered a major setback. As reported by Ben Jacobs, “Giovanni Leoni has undergone successful ACL surgery. No panic within Liverpool, despite losing what the club considers to be one of four elite centre-backs at the club. Adding another defender under discussion for January, but no guarantee.”

Leoni, regarded internally as one of the most promising young defenders at the club, now faces around a year on the sidelines. His absence leaves Arne Slot with only Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konate and Joe Gomez as senior options in central defence. For a side competing on multiple fronts, that feels one injury away from becoming a full-blown crisis.

January Market Dilemma

Jacobs adds that Liverpool are exploring possible solutions, although clarity on available targets remains limited. One obvious option would be to accelerate plans for Marc Guehi, long admired by the recruitment department. In “an ideal world,” Liverpool would move early to secure the England international.

However, current indications suggest Guehi may not push for an exit mid-season. With international football commitments and wider interest expected to intensify post-World Cup, the timing may not suit either Crystal Palace or the player.

Photo: IMAGO

Faith in Current Core

There is calmness rather than alarm at Kirkby. Liverpool’s hierarchy believe strongly in their established trio, particularly with van Dijk performing at Ballon d’Or calibre levels. Gomez has also shown renewed consistency, while Konate remains one of Europe’s most dominant physical defenders when fully fit.

That said, history has shown how fragile depth can be. One muscular problem, one suspension, and Liverpool could find themselves relying on academy cover at a crucial point in the campaign.

Strategic Thinking Required

The question for Slot and his sporting department is whether spending in January represents necessity or opportunism. Liverpool have transitioned away from short-term stopgaps in recent years, favouring long-term planning over reactive signings. Any addition would need to be of similar pedigree to Leoni or better.

Jacobs’ update suggests discussions are ongoing, but a deal will only be done if the right profile becomes available at the right price. Supporters will recall years where Liverpool gambled on fitness holding together, sometimes successfully, sometimes painfully.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

If Liverpool are even considering a move, then the door is already ajar. Supporters will respect the club’s calm approach, but there is a difference between panic buying and sensible insurance. Losing Leoni is a real shame, especially given how highly he is rated internally. Slot’s debut season brought the title, and the ambition should be to retain it. Standing still invites danger.

Most fans would rather Liverpool acted decisively than risk repeating past scenarios where a single injury derailed momentum. Marc Guehi feels like the dream target, and if there is any chance of persuading him or Crystal Palace early, Liverpool should test that resolve. If not, there must be clever alternatives. Whether it is an experienced defender willing to rotate or another young profile mirroring Leoni’s qualities, depth is essential for Champions League and Premier League success.

Supporters are not calling for chaos, just prudence. Slot has built a winning culture built on resilience and control. Strengthening from a position of power is what champions do.

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