Liverpool line up exciting double January deal after Giovanni Leoni's ACL injury
Below is a summary of the full article. Click here for the full version or go back to LFC Live.net.
(Credit: Imago)
Ciaran Morrison
Wed 24 September 2025 20:30, UK
Liverpool have had to revaluate their January transfer plans following the news of Giovanni Leoni’s season ending injury.
Leoni ruptured his ACL and had to be stretchered off during Liverpool’s 2-1 win over Southampton in the Carabao Cup
Liverpool signed Leoni from Parma in the summer as a player for the future and a back up to their centre-back options.
Arne Slot though faces an issue without Leoni’s availability which he is eager to address in the January window.
Credit: Imago
With Ibrahima Konate’s contract running out at the end of the season, Slot was keen to sign Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi during the summer.
Guehi though remained at Crystal Palace, with Liverpool not willing to meet the Eagles’ transfer fee for the 25-year-old.
As per Diario AS, [24 September] one of Liverpool’s “top priorities” must be signing Guehi with Real Madrid exploring a move for Konate.
MORE FOOTBALL INSIDER STORIES
“Now more than ever, it seems vital not to lose Ibrahima Konaté this summer,” Diario AS reported.
“The Frenchman’s contract is up, and despite Liverpool’s desire to retain him, Real Madrid is hot on his trail.
“A tough competitor, and what’s worse is that Liverpool now has no safety net, as Leoni is unlikely to be ready for the start of the next season.
“Signing Guehi in January and making a strong renewal offer to Konaté must be top priorities at Anfield.”
Guehi’s contract at Selhurst Park does run out at the end of the season, but Liverpool may now be under pressure to meet Crystal Palace’s demands while agreeing a new contract with Konate.
Marc GuehiStatsAppearances137Goals7Assists4Marc Guehi’s Premier League record.Credit: Imago
Slot may now be regretting not signing Guehi in the summer, with Leoni’s injury a blow to his lack of options at centre-back.
The Dutchman must now rely solely on Virgil van Dijk, Konate and Joe Gomez unless he wants to dip into the club’s academy.
With Liverpool fighting on four fronts this season, there will now be a sense of nervousness each game hoping none of the trio pick up an injury.
Rotation will not be an option for Slot and the workload may be too much to maintain for the trio, a potential first sign that the likes of Arsenal may have an edge in the Premier League title race.
Liverpool therefore, have little alternative but to sign Guehi in January at the earliest possible opportunity.