Liverpool transfer news: Marc Guehi alternative identified as 'strong target' from Serie A emerges amid defensive problems

Liverpool are reportedly still in the market for a centre-back this summer, and an alternative to Crystal Palace's Marc Guehi emerges from Serie A.

Liverpool have reportedly identified Parma centre-back Giovanni Leoni as an alternative to Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi.

The Reds began their 2025-26 season with a penalty-shootout defeat against Palace in the Community Shield on Sunday.

Though Arne Slot will have been disappointed by the result, newcomers Hugo Ekitike and Florian Wirtz did excel in the forward line.

The Merseysiders could yet welcome more players to Anfield before the closure of the summer transfer window, with the likes of Palace centre-back Guehi linked.

However, journalist Ben Jacobs reports that Guehi is seen as a unique market opportunity due to the fact he has one year left on his contract, and if he cannot be signed, then Parma teenager Leoni could come under consideration.

Does Giovanni Leoni make sense for Liverpool instead of Guehi?

Leoni only has one season of top-flight football under his belt, but the 18-year-old has shown great promise in Italy.

The defender was able to hold his own against physically imposing strikers, winning 63% of his aerial duels and 59% of his ground duels for the Serie A side last season.

Palace's Guehi only won 54% of his aerial duels in the Premier League last term, though he did win 63% of his duels on the ground.

It would be unfair to expect Leoni to make as much of an impact for the Reds as Guehi considering he is seven years his junior, but given Liverpool are only looking at signing a backup to Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate, perhaps they can afford for the Italian to iron out his flaws at Anfield.

Were Liverpool exposed by Palace in the Community Shield?

Liverpool have looked vulnerable in pre-season during counter-attacks, culminating in a poor defensive display against Palace in the Community Shield.

Defensive midfielder Ryan Gravenberch was not part of the squad that lost on Sunday, but the nature of the display will still concern the Reds boss.

Slot's side have in fact not kept a clean sheet in any of their past 11 games in all competitions - including six friendlies - and his team must improve at the back if they are to retain the Premier League title.

Signing Guehi or Leoni may not help the club's performances in defence considering the duo are unlikely to come in as first choice, meaning that Slot may have to adjust his tactical approach without the ball.

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