Liverpool could be in a spot of bother, after new centre-back signing Giovanni Leoni suffered a suspected ACL injury on his debut.
The undisputed starting centre-back pairing at Liverpool is Virgil Van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate. But Leoni’s injury now only leaves Joe Gomez in reserve as far as natural centre-backs go.
Any injury to the starting centre-back pair of Liverpool could cause significant damage to their season. Arne Slot’s side have conceded five goals from 4.00 Expected Goals allowed so far.
In this article, we’ll cover
Familiar replacement: Marc Guehi
The first option to replace Leoni is the man who was linked to the club all summer. But a deal fell through on deadline day after personal terms had already been agreed.
Marc Guehi has started the season in strong form once more for Crystal Palace, making nine appearances in all competitions. He’s been part of a defence to keep five clean sheets and has scored an excellent goal against Aston Villa.
However, the England international is now in the final year of his contract, which could make a January move more viable depending on the conditions of the deal.
This season, Guehi has averaged 2.00 tackles per 90 minutes, making 1.3 interceptions and contesting 7.2 duels. Leoni averaged 1.1 tackles, 1.2 interceptions and 5.4 duels contested per 90 with Parma in Serie A last season.
Guehi also offers better quality on the ball as things stand. Despite having a lower overall passing accuracy, the English centre-back makes 21 forward passes compared to 13.5 of Leoni per 90, helping to progress play in that first phase of build up.
| Stat | Marc Guehi in 2025-26 | Giovanni Leoni in 2024-25 |
|---|---|---|
| Duels contested per 90 | 7.2 | 5.4 |
| Tackles made per 90 | 2.0 | 1.1 |
| Aerial duels won per 90 | 2.2 | 1.3 |
| Ball recoveries per 90 | 3.4 | 2.6 |
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Big money replacement: Alessandro Bastoni
Alessandro Bastoni could be the premium option for Liverpool to strengthen at the back, with the left-footed defender pairing with Van Dijk.
The Italian plays in a back three for Inter Milan, having freedom to step up on the ball and show his dynamism. However, Bastoni does have experience playing in a back four for Italy.
The addition of Bastoni would mean Slot has to reconfigure his side slightly, as Van Dijk often starts as the left centre-back with Konate on his right.
Van Dijk being right-footed would easily play as the right centre-back, giving Slot plenty of options on how to configure his side in the build up phase, either playing a 2-3 base with fullbacks tucked in, or having Ryan Gravenberch drop into the first line, forming a 3-2 base with the centre-backs split.
| Stat | Alessandro Bastoni in 2025-26 | Giovanni Leoni in 2024-25 |
|---|---|---|
| Duels contested per 90 | 6.1 | 5.4 |
| Duels won per 90 | 2.8 | 3.3 |
| Passing accuracy | 89.13% | 88.69% |
| Forward passes per 90 | 22 | 13.5 |
Wildcard replacement: Bremer
Another name being mentioned as a bit of a wildcard option for Liverpool in January is Juventus centre-back, Bremer.
The Brazilian has started the new campaign with two clean sheets in his four appearances, after struggling last season with a long-term injury (ACL).
Bremer is averaging 6.4 duels contested per 90 this season, winning 1.7 aerial duels. However, the Brazilian is only winning 1.0 ground duel per 90 and has a passing accuracy of 82.27%.
The 28-year-old hasn’t been as dominant since returning from injury in his duels, and his on ball numbers are yet to hit previous heights, so this move could all depend on other options and their conditions before coming into play.
| Stat | Alessandro Bastoni in 2025-26 | Giovanni Leoni in 2024-25 |
|---|---|---|
| Duels contested per 90 | 6.4 | 5.4 |
| Aerial duels won per 90 | 1.7 | 1.3 |
| Duels won per 90 | 2.7 | 3.3 |
| Ball recoveries per 90 | 4.7 | 2.6 |
| Passing accuracy | 82.27% | 88.69% |
Squawka suggests
While Bastoni and Bremer are likely seen as more exciting names, going back in for Guehi in the January window could be the best option depending on the conditions of the deal. He has Premier League experience and the ability to play on either side of the defensive unit.