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Liverpool FC are actively pursuing a new centre-back this summer, with two main candidates emerging: Marc Guehi and Giovanni Leoni. According to top transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, the club is slightly more inclined to sign Giovanni Leoni, despite it being a risky move. Romano estimates the odds at 51/49 in favor of Leoni over Guehi, highlighting Liverpool's belief in Leoni's high potential and talent. While many expect Guehi to join, Liverpool see more long-term value in Leoni, even though Parma, his current club, is demanding a substantial fee of around €40 million. This fee reflects payment for Leoni’s future potential rather than immediate readiness. Guehi, by contrast, will be a free agent next summer, making Liverpool hesitant to pay a transfer fee for someone they could sign later without cost for the last year of his contract.

Leoni is an 18-year-old centre-back currently with Parma in Serie A, prioritizing regular playing time this World Cup year and preferring to remain in Italy. However, Liverpool’s interest might persuade him to move to England, where he could eventually qualify as a homegrown player. This transfer strategy echoes Liverpool's previous risky but strategically long-term signings.

The Reds are also exploring other defensive options, including Charlie Cresswell from Toulouse, as potential alternatives should the Leoni or Guehi deals falter. Meanwhile, Liverpool are balancing these defensive transfer decisions alongside ongoing attempts to sign forward Alexander Isak, indicating one of their busiest summer transfer windows to date.

In summary, Liverpool’s approach is to weigh an immediate impact signing (Guehi) against investing in a potentially higher-ceiling talent in Leoni, with a slight current preference for the latter despite the financial premium.

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