Liverpool Set to Complete ‘Incredible’ Deal to Sign Star Worth More Than £70m | OneFootball

Liverpool Reinforce Defence with Strategic Double Signing

Liverpool enter the new season with confidence and ambition, seeking to consolidate their Premier League title under Arne Slot. After an impressive debut campaign, Slot now faces the task of balancing experience and youth, particularly in defence following Jarell Quansah’s £35 million transfer to Bayer Leverkusen. This departure left the Reds with just three senior centre-backs: Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konate and Joe Gomez.

Recent developments suggest that Liverpool are close to signing both Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace and Giovanni Leoni from Parma, moves that could reshape the defensive landscape at Anfield.

Marc Guehi as Immediate Reinforcement

Dave Davis, speaking to Trev Downey for Anfield Index, offered insight into Liverpool’s approach: “Liverpool are in talks and suggestions are that the fee will be around the £35m mark.” He added, “You’re talking about a player who had a bid of £70m rejected by Crystal Palace in January. That is incredible business.”

Guehi represents a player who can step into the first team immediately. “It’s also business for the now. He’s plug and play and can go straight into the team,” Davis emphasised. For a side that thrived on defensive solidity last season, having a reliable centre-back ready from day one is vital. Guehi’s arrival would bring both quality and reassurance, particularly in high-pressure encounters.

Giovanni Leoni for Future Development

While Guehi addresses immediate needs, Liverpool are also preparing for the future. “All of the suggestions now are that Liverpool have also opened talks to sign Leoni – they want to do both,” Davis noted. He explained the strategic rationale: “It’s Guehi for the now and then less pressure on Leoni, which gives him time to develop.”

Leoni’s potential has captured attention at Anfield. Liverpool had also examined Wolfsburg defender Koulierakis, with the club assessing his capabilities carefully. “After speaking to an analyst about him, Liverpool thought that with a bit of work and coaching from Slot then he could become a top five defender in the world,” Davis revealed. However, Liverpool appear convinced that Leoni possesses something even more exceptional. “However, they think Leoni can be really, really special.”

Strategic Planning Reflecting FSG Philosophy

The reported transfers reflect the careful planning that has become synonymous with Liverpool’s ownership. “It feels very much like an FSG signing,” Davis said. The dual approach of acquiring an immediately impactful player alongside a talent for long-term development demonstrates a methodical, forward-thinking strategy that has underpinned Liverpool’s recent successes.

By focusing on both short-term reinforcement and long-term potential, Liverpool are setting themselves up to maintain their defensive strength while nurturing talent that could define the club’s future. With Arne Slot at the helm, the Reds are positioning themselves not only to defend their title but also to continue building a squad capable of sustained success domestically and in Europe.

Implications for the Premier League Season

If these moves are completed, Liverpool will return to the season with one of the most promising defensive setups in the league. Van Dijk, Konate and Gomez provide proven experience, while Guehi can make an immediate impact and Leoni offers a future star in waiting. Slot’s second season will be a test of how well this blend of talent can deliver consistent performances across all competitions.

Liverpool’s strategic signings reflect ambition, intelligence and patience, and they signal to rivals that the champions are not resting on their laurels. This approach could prove decisive in both domestic and European campaigns.