Transfer Market Metrics on two centre-backs targeted by Liverpool | OneFootball

Liverpool Step Up Pursuit of Marc Guehi and Giovanni Leoni

Liverpool are actively pushing forward in talks for two central defenders, with Marc Guehi of Crystal Palace and Giovanni Leoni of Parma emerging as priority targets. The latest episode of Transfer Market Metrics from Anfield Index, featuring Dave Davis and Phil Barter, offered a detailed breakdown of why the club is targeting both players, rather than focusing on just one.

Guehi’s Premier League pedigree

Phil Barter made it clear that Guehi offers something Liverpool value highly — readiness to step into a title-challenging side immediately. As he put it, “He’s Premier League ready… he’s an England international, and he knows the Premier League.” That readiness is complemented by technical strengths on the ball, with Barter noting that Guehi ranks in the 98th percentile for through balls among centre-backs and the 75th for switches of play.

“He’s another one they feel has a better ability on the ball than Konaté,” Barter explained, highlighting his progressive passing and ability to open up attacking options from deep. His long passing completion rate of 55 percent comes with a high volume of attempts, something that could be even more effective alongside Liverpool’s quality forwards.

There is one question mark: an aerial win rate of 56 percent. Barter acknowledged this as “probably the area which would… be one of the concerns,” but the broader picture is of a defender who can complement Virgil van Dijk in build-up play while also offering depth and flexibility.

Leoni’s potential and physical presence

At just 18, Giovanni Leoni is the long-term project in this equation. Barter described him as having “some amazing attributes,” including a 63 percent aerial win rate that would place him “just below Konaté and VVD.”

The Italian’s defensive profile is built on interceptions and blocks rather than rash tackles, something Liverpool analysts consistently value. “You could be buying an absolute superstar,” Barter suggested, stressing that Leoni’s physicality — memorably “ragdolling” Romelu Lukaku — already stands out at senior level.

Passing metrics are more mixed, with Barter noting his long passing rate at 61 percent and explaining that Parma’s league position and squad quality may have limited his completion figures. However, he creates threat from his defensive zone and is involved in build-up play, suggesting room for growth under Arne Slot’s coaching.

Why Liverpool want both

Davis pointed out that signing both Guehi and Leoni “feels like one for the now… and one for the future.” Barter agreed, citing squad depth and injury concerns, particularly with Joe Gomez, as reasons for securing two centre-backs in the same window. “We’re not leaving anything to chance this season… we’re giving you five centre-halves,” he said.

Both players also offer some positional versatility. Leoni has experience at right-back, while Guehi has occasional appearances at full-back or defensive midfield in his past. That flexibility could allow Slot to experiment with back-three systems in certain matches.

Strengthening for the present and future

For Barter, the strategy is clear: pair an established Premier League defender with a young talent of high potential. Guehi can slot in immediately, providing competition and rotation for Van Dijk and Konaté. Leoni can develop without the pressure of starting every week, learning in a squad environment that has already produced a Premier League title under Slot.

As Barter concluded, “There’s so much to like about this kid… and the potential, the upside, is huge.” If Liverpool can finalise both deals, they will have assembled a central defensive unit that blends experience, technical ability, and future promise — and one that few clubs in the league could match for depth or quality.