On transfer deadline day, Liverpool completed the record-breaking signing of Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak, bringing an end to weeks of speculation and tension surrounding his future.
Isak had long been determined to join the Anfield club, and his wish was finally granted at the final hour. Liverpool secured the services of a highly regarded forward, with pundit Alan Shearer previously stating in early 2025 that “everything about his game is of the highest quality.”
However, not every pursuit was successful for the Reds, as their drawn-out efforts to land Crystal Palace centre-back Marc Guehi ultimately ended without reward.
The deal appeared close to completion, with the England international having already undergone a medical with the Premier League champions. Yet, external complications left the 25-year-old defender remaining at Selhurst Park.
The need for defensive reinforcements was evident. Ibrahima Konate had entered the final year of his contract, while captain Virgil van Dijk, who turned 34 in July, is approaching the latter stages of his career.
Liverpool’s sporting director, Richard Hughes, came close to securing Guehi after tracking him throughout the summer and waiting for approval from Eagles chairman Steve Parish. That approval never came, with manager Oliver Glasner reluctant to sanction the move without first recruiting an adequate replacement.
Analyst Ben Mattinson had described Guehi as “England’s best player” at the 2024 European Championship. His composure in defence and ability to play out from the back made him an ideal fit for Arne Slot’s squad—or any elite side competing at the highest level.
While Liverpool’s owners, Fenway Sports Group, will maintain faith in the club’s current defensive options, Guehi’s addition would have been a significant boost. His arrival could have provided further stability as Slot prepares to defend the Premier League crown while competing for honours on multiple fronts.
| League Stats 24/25 – Guehi vs Leoni | ||
|---|---|---|
| Stats (* per game) | Guehi | Leoni |
| Matches (starts) | 34 (34) | 17 (14) |
| Goals | 3 | 1 |
| Assists | 2 | 0 |
| Touches* | 64.9 | 46.9 |
| Pass completion | 84% | 89% |
| Key passes* | 0.5 | 0.1 |
| Ball recoveries* | 4.3 | 2.0 |
| Dribbles* | 0.4 | 0.2 |
| Tackles + interceptions* | 2.6 | 1.7 |
| Clearances* | 4.6 | 3.6 |
| Duels (won)* | 4.9 (59%) | 2.5 (61%) |
| Errors made | 2 | 1 |
| All data via Sofascore | ||
Leoni is regarded as a standout prospect, with aspirations that he could eventually follow in Virgil van Dijk’s footsteps as a long-term pillar of Liverpool’s defence. Yet he is not the only teenage talent within the ranks, as another young member of Arne Slot’s squad may already be prepared to step into the role that Guehi was expected to fill.
Liverpool Have Already Got Their Own Guehi
There is no doubt that Leoni ranks among the most exciting young defenders in the game, and at just 18 years old, he has considerable scope to grow and refine his abilities in the coming years.
The Italy international, however, will require patience and time to fully develop, with the expectation that he can eventually establish himself as a consistent starter at the highest level.
Joe Gomez’s decision to remain at Liverpool despite deadline-day interest from elsewhere provides a valuable source of experience for Leoni to draw upon as he adapts. The same can be said for fellow teenage defender Amara Nallo, who is also finding his feet in Arne Slot’s senior squad.
Nallo’s early steps have not been without challenges. In January, he endured a difficult professional debut after being sent off for a late challenge on Johan Bakayoko shortly after coming onto the pitch. It was an unfortunate moment, but Slot reassured that the youngster “will learn” from the setback.
Although Nallo’s senior career at Liverpool currently extends to a single appearance, he was named on the bench for three further first-team fixtures during the 2024/25 season. His emergence from the academy has highlighted his strength, power, and technical ability, suggesting he could evolve into Liverpool’s equivalent of Marc Guehi.
Admittedly, being sent off on his debut was far from the perfect introduction and not the sort of composure associated with Guehi. Yet, even the Crystal Palace defender has endured moments of indiscipline, having served an indirect suspension last season, demonstrating that mistakes are part of any player’s development.
Nallo, however, is unlikely to allow one setback to define him. Former West Ham coach Carlton Cole once described him as a “Rolls-Royce of a centre-back,” underlining the high regard in which his qualities are held.
What sets Nallo apart is his ability to play comfortably with either foot, enabling him to provide cover for both Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konaté over the course of the campaign. The England Under-19 international has already amassed 53 appearances for Liverpool’s youth teams during his two years at the club.
Liverpool’s pursuit of Guehi was largely driven by his pedigree at the top level, but his versatility across both sides of central defence was also a key factor. Analyst Mattinson described the England defender as “one of those versatile centre-backs who can play both sides equally as comfortably,” a trait that would have appealed to the recruitment team.
While the failure to secure Guehi’s signature disappointed supporters eager to see him in red, it has arguably created greater opportunities for young defenders such as Leoni and Nallo, who now have a clearer route toward meaningful first-team action.
Nallo may not be at the forefront of the discussion at present, but his involvement on the big stage last season indicates the trust Liverpool’s coaching staff already have in him. That experience could be the springboard for him to establish himself more firmly within the senior setup.
Given his tactical similarities to Guehi, the current campaign may represent Nallo’s best chance to make the step up and prove himself as a long-term fixture in Liverpool’s defence.
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