Liverpool's free agent options to replace Giovanni Leoni after injury blow

Liverpool's options for replacing Giovanni Leoni this season are limited to the free agent market.

The defender, who made his debut in the Carabao Cup match against Southampton, had to be stretchered off in the 81st minute due to a serious knee injury. Leoni is now expected to be out of action for a significant period.

This is a major setback for Liverpool, a team that is already concerned about its defensive options until the transfer window reopens. The Reds missed out on signing Marc Guehi on deadline day after Crystal Palace decided not to proceed with the deal at the last minute.

With the transfer window now closed until the new year, Liverpool's only option to bolster its defence is to sign a free agent.

Players who are not currently registered with a team can be signed outside of the transfer window.

The Reds have one spot left in their 25-man squad for a free agent. However, they face a restriction.

Premier League rules stipulate that each squad can have no more than 17 players who do not meet the 'Home Grown Player (HGP)' criteria.

A HGP is defined as a player who was registered with any club affiliated with the Football Association or the Football Association of Wales for three full seasons before the end of the season in which he turns 21.

Liverpool's squad is already at full capacity with 17 non-homegrown players, which means any new additions must fulfil the homegrown criteria.

This leaves just a couple of viable options in the current free agent market.

First on the list is former West Brom and West Ham defender Craig Dawson.

The 35-year-old left Wolves after his contract ended last summer and is still without a club, although it seems unlikely he'll make a move due to his profile.

Another potential target is ex-Aston Villa defender Kortney Hause. His time at Villa Park was plagued by injuries.

Although he's currently fit, his past injury record might dissuade Liverpool from making a move, as it requires a player who can step up during injuries or suspensions.

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