Five centre-backs Liverpool could sign in January after devastating Giovanni Leoni news
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(Credit: Imago)
Edward Bazeley
Thu 25 September 2025 11:00, UK
Liverpool have been rocked by the news that summer signing Giovanni Leoni has suffered a season-ending setback.
As the Reds defeated Southampton 2-1 in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday, 23 September, Leoni suffered an ACL injury.
The 18-year-old’s absence leaves Arne Slot with Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konate, and Joe Gomez as his only senior centre-back options.
In the summer transfer window, Liverpool’s move for Marc Guehi collapsed, meaning they could turn to the market once again in January, with Leoni’s injury handing them extra incentive.
Football Insider takes a look at five centre-backs Slot’s men could now look at signing in the January transfer window to add both competition and depth.
Credit: Imago
Bayern Munich star Dayot Upamecano has established a reputation as one of the best centre-backs in Europe, while he still boasts potential at the age of 26.
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However, Upamecano’s contract with Bayern expires next summer, meaning that the January transfer window will present the German giants with their last chance to cash-in on him, if the situation isn’t rectified.
As per transfermarkt, his market value is £43.7million, but Liverpool could negotiate a cut-price, given his current contract status.
Football Insider have exclusively revealed that Bayern Munich and Barcelona have joined the race to sign Guehi.
Credit: Imago
However, the injury suffered by Leoni should give the Reds the motivation they need to do all they can to fend off stiff competition for the 25-year-old and land his signature.
Ezri Konsa statsAll competitions 2024/25Appearances50Goals3Assists0Konsa played in the Champions League last season
The 27-year-old should be keen on enjoying Champions League football once again, having featured in the competition for Emery’s side last term.
Konsa’s transfermarkt value is £30.5m.
Football Insider have revealed that Brighton could be forced to sell Jan Paul Van Hecke if a Champions League club comes in for him.
Credit: Imago
The Reds would hand Van Hecke the chance he needs to progress his career, while his value is £27.9m, as per transfermarkt.
In the summer transfer window, Liverpool signed Florian Wirtz and Jeremie Frimpong from Bayer Leverkusen.