Liverpool Explore Two Centre-Back Alternatives with Guehi Deal in Doubt | OneFootball

Liverpool Expand Centre-Back Search as Guehi Talks Stall

Liverpool’s summer rebuild continues to take shape under Arne Slot, but attention has now turned firmly to central defence. With the futures of Ibrahima Konaté and Joe Gomez in doubt, and Virgil van Dijk celebrating his 34th birthday this week, a long-term plan is clearly taking form at Anfield.

Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi remains Liverpool’s top defensive target, and as reported earlier this month, “Liverpool had agreed personal terms with the English centre-back.” But a £50 million valuation has complicated matters. Guehi is in the final year of his contract, yet Palace are standing firm despite the risk of losing him for nothing next summer.

According to Liverpool journalist David Lynch, the club are focusing on signing a young centre-back with potential to develop, and have therefore identified Giovanni Leoni of Parma and Konstantinos Koulierakis of Wolfsburg who “have been watched.” It is a clear signal that Liverpool will not be drawn into overpaying and are instead casting a wider net in the European market.

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Leoni and Koulierakis Offer Youth and Versatility

At just 18 years old, Giovanni Leoni has impressed in Serie A with Parma. Featuring 17 times and scoring once, the 6’4” defender has also shown his adaptability by featuring at right-back when required. Leoni’s stature and maturity for his age make him a standout candidate for Slot’s high-line defensive model.

Koulierakis, meanwhile, offers a more senior profile. The 21-year-old Greek international played 38 matches for Wolfsburg last season, scoring three goals and assisting three more. Comfortable at left-back as well, he ticks multiple tactical boxes. Liverpool’s scouting of the pair suggests a focus on physical attributes and positional flexibility, two qualities Slot highly values.

Photo IMAGO

Defensive Depth Remains a Key Concern

The need for new defensive blood is plain to see. Konaté continues to delay contract discussions amid interest from Real Madrid. Gomez, while versatile, has long struggled for consistent fitness. And although Van Dijk defied his age during the title-winning 2024-25 campaign, the Dutch captain is realistically entering the twilight of his elite career.

Whether Guehi is signed or not, Liverpool may ultimately need two new defenders. Guehi, with 230 club and international appearances at just 24, represents an ideal profile. But if Palace refuse to budge on price, the Reds seem content to pivot quickly, and smartly.

Slot Building with Balance and Long-Term Vision

What stands out most is the clarity of Liverpool’s strategy. There is no panic-buying. There is no romanticism about players staying forever. The recruitment team, working in alignment with Slot, is hunting for players who can adapt, grow and compete for places immediately.

Photo: IMAGO

The emergence of names like Leoni and Koulierakis is not a downgrade from Guehi, but a pragmatic move that reflects a system-first approach. Youth, intelligence, and tactical compatibility are the new currency at Liverpool, and Arne Slot is clearly leading with conviction.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

There is a calmness to this approach that feels different from previous summers. There is no sense of desperation in the Guehi talks. The club clearly admire him, but they are not willing to meet what they consider an inflated valuation. That is refreshing.

The names of Giovanni Leoni and Konstantinos Koulierakis may not be blockbuster, but they represent smart business. Leoni looks like the sort of player you can mould into a long-term starter, especially with his size and athleticism. Koulierakis, already a full international and versatile across the backline, could slot in immediately if needed.

Some fans will hope for a bigger name, but this is about sustainability. Slot won the Premier League in his debut season with structure and clarity. He is continuing in that vein. If Konaté stays, and Guehi joins, then adding Leoni or Koulierakis would future-proof the defence. If Konaté goes, perhaps both will be needed.

Above all, it is encouraging that Liverpool are planning beyond the next season. This feels like a vision-driven recruitment plan, not a reactionary one.