Whether Liverpool will accelerate Marc Guehi transfer after Giovanni Leoni injury bombshell

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TBR Football understands that Liverpool are increasingly likely to move for Marc Guehi in January after Giovanni Leoni sustained an ACL injury.

Guehi saw his deadline day move to Anfield collapse in the final hours following a £35 million agreement between the clubs as Oliver Glasner convinced Steve Parish to retain the Crystal Palace captain.

Leoni, who arrived in a £26 million deal from Parma this summer, impressed on his Liverpool debut in the Carabao Cup win against Southampton.

The Italian centre-back then fell awkwardly on the touchline following a collision inside the final ten minutes of the clash. After he was stretchered off the pitch at Anfield, it has since been confirmed Leoni suffered an ACL injury.

Although Arne Slot had intentions of bolstering his defensive ranks in the winter transfer window, Leoni’s long-term injury has accelerated the need to do so — despite the club initially remaining firm on their stance to wait until the end of the season.

Exclusive: Liverpool likely to move for Marc Guehi in January

TBR Football chief correspondent Graeme Bailey has exclusively revealed that Leoni’s injury has represented a significant blow for the Reds, who may now move to address their lack of depth at centre-back in January.

Bailey states: “Liverpool are clearly upset for the player, he had looked so good in training and had settled really well, but the club just didn’t want to rush him.

“The game against Southampton was targeted for his first start, and he looked really comfortable and composed, but it is just dismal news for the lad and the club.

“Liverpool were open to a January deal, and they still are in the market for Marc Guehi, as well as others, but will this increase the likelihood, for sure. We will have to see how things go with Joe Gomez and the like in terms of fitness, but this really does heap pressure on their resources.”

As previously revealed, Liverpool plan to sign Guehi when his contract at Selhurst Park expires at the end of the season, after the disappointment of seeing the move fall through on deadline day.

The Reds now boast only three senior centre-back options until the winter transfer window, with Ibrahima Konate’s contract set to expire at Anfield in 2026.

TBR Football confirmed Liverpool have continued talks with Konate over the international break regarding a fresh deal, but have yet to reach a breakthrough, meaning the club could need to seek two new central defenders in the upcoming months.

Jurgen Klopp was forced to utilise midfielders as makeshift centre-backs during the 2020/21 campaign, and Liverpool will be eager to avoid a repeat of the situation, which saw panic deals for Ozan Kabak and Ben Davies to ease the injury crisis.

Arne Slot has short-term options to replace Giovanni Leoni

Although the situation is far from ideal at Anfield, should Liverpool’s remaining centre-backs remain injury-free until January, there are several options who can fill the void of Leoni’s absence for the time being.

Wataru Endo has proven more than competent in operating in the backline during his two-year spell in English football, and with the Reds boasting a plethora of options in the centre of the park, the Japan international would welcome more game time.

Andy Robertson moved into central defence on Tuesday evening after Milos Kerkez replaced Leoni, and the vice-captain played the ball to Federico Chiesa, which led to the match-winner.

Lastly, Rhys Williams was named in the Liverpool matchday squad for the first time since 2024 against Southampton – the 24-year-old helped the club achieve Champions League qualification during the 2020/21 campaign and could very well be promoted as a squad rotation option in the coming weeks.