Liverpool boast one of the best centre-backs of all time in their squad, but the pursuit of Marc Guehi represents a long overdue signing at Anfield.

Liverpool are in talks with Crystal Palace to secure the signature of their captain, with the proposed deal worth £30 million with a further £5 million in add-ons.

For a 25-year-old with 217 club appearances and 23 international caps, it is shaping up to be another savvy acquisition from Liverpool in what is a statement summer.

And while Alexander Isak may be seen as a luxury signing, the addition of a senior centre-back has been a long time coming.

Since Virgil van Dijk arrived at the club in January 2018, Liverpool have only parted with significant funds one other time to sign another centre-back.

That was, of course, for Ibrahima Konate in the summer of 2021, when the club agreed a £35 million deal to sign the highly-rated Frenchman from Leipzig.

That makes for two senior centre-back signings across the last seven years.

With Liverpool having piled up the trophies in that time, it has been an area of the pitch that has required emergency attention rather than deliberate pruning and care.

Ben Davies and Ozan Kabak were brought in during the centre-back crisis of 2020/21, but played a combined 13 games – and by combined, we mean only Kabak took to the field.

Academy products Rhys Williams and Nat Phillips were subsequently tasked with stepping up and did an admirable job as Jurgen Klopp‘s side secured Champions League qualification against the odds.

All stop-gaps and not part of the bigger picture, though the club would have hoped that was the case when they signed 17-year-old Sepp van den Berg for £1.3 million in 2019.

The Dutchman proved a promising talent but not a long-term solution, and the club recouped a healthy profit when he signed for Brentford last summer for a deal worth £25 million.

It goes without saying, though, that Liverpool have been in the market and made attempts to sign young, experienced centre-backs in recent years, with Dean Huijsen, Levi Colwill and Leny Yoro among the signatures they chased.

At every turn they were left disappointed, which is why Guehi’s desire to make the move to Anfield and compete for a regular role is long overdue.

Slot, much like Jurgen Klopp before him, declared that “we have enough options that can play there,” when speaking ahead of the Community Shield, but quickly added: “But if we see a chance in the market, we will not hesitate to take it.”

Guehi is that ‘chance‘, as is 18-year-old Giovanni Leoni for what could be a combined fee that comes in less than what the club paid for Van Dijk more than seven years ago.

With Guehi, Liverpool would have a plug-and-play defender who can and will compete for a regular role in the side and will have Slot’s trust to do so.

It became quickly apparent last season that the Dutchman had a small circle of trust when it came to the squad he inherited, with only 14 playing more than 1,000 minutes in the Premier League.

There was a core group he turned to, and Jarell Quansah was not one of them, prompting his exit this summer to Bayer Leverkusen as Richard Hughes and Co. moved to create a squad in Slot’s image.

It will lead some to believe that Slot will pick up from where he left off, but Liverpool’s summer business has acquired the talent that will allow for greater rotation in his second season.

His use of Wataru Endo, Harvey Elliott and Federico Chiesa, in particular, was bemusing for supporters throughout the campaign, especially when first-team regulars showed signs of fatigue.

But he will look to the week when Liverpool were knocked out of the Champions League by PSG and saw Newcastle lift the League Cup as a prime example of his need to embrace change.

“Maybe, maybe, I made the biggest mistake by not rotating enough but I thought there were four days in between for Newcastle and they had enough rest,” Slot said at the time.

Rotation became a significant talking point throughout the season, and expanding Slot’s circle of trust will only benefit Liverpool’s pursuit of silverware across multiple competitions.

Unlike Quansah, Guehi will have the trust of his head coach to compete with Van Dijk and Konate, which he will have no shortage of motivation for in a World Cup year.

He is proficient in his defensive duties, a progressive passer and, importantly, happy operating in a high line – not to mention vastly experienced with close to 250 senior appearances.

Slot’s stamp of approval will signal an overdue turnover at the back, not to mention an injection of competition to stave off any complacency at centre-back, which has been lacking in recent years.

As Bob Paisley said, it’s imperative to build from a position of strength and Liverpool are, at last, doing just that.

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Liverpool are closing in on a deal for Parma centre-back Giovanni Leoni, while 24 players trained on Wednesday ahead of the Premier League opener against Bournemouth.

Liverpool are moving quickly to wrap up a deal for highly-rated centre-back Giovanni Leoni, with reports on Wednesday suggesting the fee being discussed is between £25 million and £30 million.

Sky Sports state “both clubs are negotiating the final details,” which suggests the deal could be finalised imminently.

Journalist Ben Jacobs, who has become a reliable source for transfers this summer, claimed on X it could even be finalised in “24 hours or less.”

He adds the fee discussed is “around £30m, potentially even slightly under,” which would represent another smart piece of business from the club, who needed depth in the position.

It is, however, not a case of one or the other when it comes to Leoni and Marc Guehi – this really is an all-time transfer window, and there’s at least one target left on the board…

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• Joe Gomez made his return to training on Wednesday after nearly three weeks out with an Achilles injury. He was one of 24 players spotted – still no Conor Bradley, but Kostas Tsimikas was involved amid transfer interest

• Liverpool’s Isaac Mabaya was stretchered off in his first start on loan with Wigan on Tuesday, another cruel injury for the youngster

• Stefan Bajcetic is edging closer to a return from a hamstring injury having been spotted at the AXA on Wednesday. He was seen working in the indoor gym

• Liverpool’s possible Champions League opponents have narrowed with one play-off round remaining – Simon Mignolet‘s Club Brugge are among the teams vying for the final seven spots

• Anthony Taylor will be the referee for Liverpool’s opening game of the season, with Michael Oliver acting as lead VAR – here’s to another year of referees dominating headlines…

Pre-season has concluded and after six friendlies and the Community Shield, Danny Gallagher takes a look at the best and worst performers of the summer.

Of course, the primary aim of pre-season isn’t to get a 10 in our ratings, but it’s always interesting to see who made an impression. Who do you think got the highest score?

READ: Liverpool FC Player Ratings – Best and worst performers in 2025 pre-season

• Bernardo Silva has explained why he did not clap for Liverpool during their guard of honour in 2020, saying “that’s not how I celebrate defeat” – it’s just a little thing called respect (The Times)

• Leeds United have reached an agreement in principle to sign Dominic Calvert-Lewin after he left Everton as a free agent – his injury record is as poor as Patrick Bamford’s…(David Ornstein, The Athletic)

• Marcus Rashford has described Man United as being in “no man’s land,” as they don’t stick with one plan – we don’t mind it in all honesty, Marcus! (Rest is Football Podcast)

• In case it slipped your mind, the UEFA Super Cup takes place this evening. PSG and Tottenham meet in Italy at 8pm (UK). Quite the first opponent in Thomas Frank’s first competitive match!

On this day in 1978, Liverpool signed Alan Kennedy from Newcastle for £330,000.

A versatile left-back, he would become arguably the Reds’ greatest-ever and scored the winning goal in two European Cup finals – who else can claim to have done that?!

The first came in 1981, at the Parc des Princes, as Liverpool beat Real Madrid 1-0 thanks to his 82nd-minute strike.

Three years later, under incredible pressure and surrounded by Roma fans at their own Stadio Olimpico, he stepped up to convert the winning penalty.

Kennedy would make 359 total appearances for Liverpool, winning 11 major trophies in seven years, before moving on to Sunderland in 1985.

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Joe Gomez made his return to training on Wednesday ahead of Liverpool’s Premier League opener against Bournemouth, following an Achilles injury.

Gomez has missed the last two-and-a-half weeks of training along with the friendlies against AC Milan, Yokohama F. Marinos, Athletic Club and the Community Shield loss to Crystal Palace.

But the versatile defender is now back in training and could soon be in contention for matchday involvement again.

Liverpool worked at the AXA Training Centre throughout Wednesday as they prepare for the visit of Bournemouth on Friday night, with Gomez rejoining his teammates for indoor and outdoor work.

Also involved again was James McConnell, with the young midfielder having built up his fitness and game time during pre-season with the U21s after an ankle issue.

McConnell has now resumed training with the senior squad, though is expected to leave the club on loan after signing a new contract.

A strong squad were put through their paces in the Kirkby sunshine, including Ryan Gravenberch, who missed the Community Shield following the birth of his daughter.

The Dutchman will not be part of the squad to face Bournemouth, however, as he is suspended due to the red card he picked up on the final day of last season.

That means Arne Slot will turn to either Curtis Jones or Alexis Mac Allister – both in training on Wednesday – to join Dominik Szoboszlai and Florian Wirtz in midfield.

Gomez’s return comes at a timely juncture, with Liverpool advancing on deals for two new defenders.

Talks are ongoing with Crystal Palace for Marc Guehi, with an agreement expected at £35 million, while Parma defender Giovanni Leoni is set to join in a deal worth around £30 million.

It remains to be seen if Conor Bradley will be passed fit for Friday’s opener but Jeremie Frimpong should start at right-back regardless.

Also involved on Wednesday was Kostas Tsimikas, despite the left-back being omitted from the Community Shield squad due to growing interest in a permanent transfer.

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Having left Liverpool in the summer after 12 years, former U21s head coach Barry Lewtas has now taken up a new role as part of the England setup.

Lewtas departed the club at the end of last season having served as U21s head coach for five years, previously holding roles in the lower age groups.

The 44-year-old explained upon his exit in June that “the time is right for a new adventure,” and his next role has now been confirmed.

He will act as head coach of England U16s, initially on an interim basis through December, while also serving as one of Ben Futcher’s assistants with the England U20s.

A number of Liverpool players could be part of his U16s squad, including the likes of Erik Farkas, Josh Abe, Vincent Joseph and Shadrach Ekiugbo.

Trey Nyoni and James McConnell were both among the latest U20s call-ups, while Amara Nallo and Callum Scanlon have recent experience too.

It remains to be seen if Lewtas’ work within the England youth setup will then continue beyond this year, though he could feasibly have his sights set on senior management.

That was the case with his predecessors in the U21s job at Liverpool, with both Michael Beale and Neil Critchley moving into first-team positions.

Lewtas has been replaced by former Wales manager Rob Page, who will lead the young Reds into their first league game of the season against Leicester on Monday night.

There have been more changes in the academy staff at the AXA Training Centre too, with the departure of U18s head coach Marc Bridge-Wilkinson to be replaced by former Man United youth coach Simon Wiles.

Wiles will be assisted by Anthony Ryan, who has been promoted from his previous position as U15s head coach. The U18s kick off their campaign against Stoke on Saturday.

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Liverpool youngster Isaac Mabaya was stretchered off with a serious injury just 29 minutes into his first start on loan with League One side Wigan.

Mabaya, the 20-year-old right-back, joined Wigan on a season-long loan at the beginning of August, embarking on his first campaign of senior football.

But his time with the Latics is already at risk of being cut short, after he required a stretcher to be carried off the field during Tuesday’s Carabao Cup clash with Notts County.

After substitute appearances against Northampton and Leyton Orient in League One, Mabaya was entrusted with his first start in a more advanced attacking role.

The youngster unfortunately pulled up after attempting a sprint just before the half-hour mark, clutching his left ankle and needing immediate treatment.

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Wigan’s medical staff determined he would need a stretcher to be helped off the pitch before undergoing further examination.

Speaking to BBC Radio Manchester after his side’s 1-0 win, head coach Ryan Lowe said he was not yet aware of the specifics of the injury and admitted “it’s probably not looking good.”

“I don’t really know yet, he’s been put in a boot, we’ll have to address him tomorrow,” Lowe explained.

“We’ll speak to Liverpool in the morning and we’ll see what’s best for him.

“But I’m just gutted for the kid, he’s a fantastic lad, he’s a great human being. I’ve monitored him for many years now, when I was at Preston; he’s had his ups and downs with injuries.

“We thought this might be the year he can kick on, us and Liverpool thought that.

“I don’t really know what it is at the moment, to be honest, I know it’s to do with his lower limb.

“I’m just gutted for him, he’s come here wanting to work hard, get in the team, I gave him an opportunity tonight and lo and behold after 20-odd minutes it’s not worked out.

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“He’s been coming on the pitch for that type of time, so we just felt it was the right time to get maybe 45 minutes, maybe 60, but just disappointed for him.

“We’ll be there with him through thick and thin and I’m sure everyone at Liverpool will. We’ll see how he is, but it’s probably not looking good.”

Mabaya has struggled with a number of injuries in recent years which has blighted his progress after an initial breakthrough under Jurgen Klopp during pre-season in 2022.

It remains to be seen if his loan at Wigan will continue or if he is brought back to Liverpool for his recovery, as with the transfer window still open Lowe may seek an immediate replacement.

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Liverpool are advancing over deals for Crystal Palace‘s Marc Guehi and Parma’s Giovanni Leoni, according to reports, with plans to sign both centre-backs.

With Joe Gomez currently injured and Ibrahima Konate facing an uncertain future, Liverpool are moving to bring in two new centre-backs before the transfer window closes.

This Is Anfield learned on Tuesday that the champions were exploring a move for Parma youngster Leoni, but were cautious over whether they could persuade the teenager to leave Italy.

Now the situation appears more advanced, with transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano claiming on X that his compatriot “never needed any convincing.”

Leoni, he claims, has already given Liverpool his approval with club-to-club contact the next step – and Corriere dello Sport report that Parma are seeking €30 million (£25.9m) with a further €5 million (£4.3m) in add-ons.

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While it has been suggested that the 18-year-old could then be loaned back to Parma for the season, Romano explains that that was never on the table and he would be an immediate first-team option.

The Italy youth international may still be viewed as more one for the future, while Guehi is clearly a contender for a starting spot.

It was widely reported on Tuesday afternoon that Liverpool had made direct contact with Crystal Palace over a deal for their captain, though suggestions personal terms had already been agreed were dismissed.

The Athletic’s James Pearce was among those to write on X that this was out of respect for Palace chairman Steve Parish, with an agreement first required with the London club.

Liverpool are expected to agree a deal worth £30 million plus £5 million for the 25-year-old, who could challenge Konate for his place next to Virgil van Dijk in the starting lineup.

Clearly Leoni and Guehi are two centre-backs at different stages in their careers, and there is no indication it is a case of one or the other for Liverpool this summer.

Instead the club are planning to sign both players if possible, strengthening their defensive ranks significantly as well as future-proofing the squad for years to come.

Crucially, Liverpool would not face registration issues even if they were to strike deals for Guehi and Leoni, as the former would be classed as homegrown in the Premier League while the latter would be an U21 player.

If Leoni were to join this summer and spend the next three years registered to sides in England or Wales he would then qualify as homegrown from 2028/29.

Guehi would also count as association-trained in the Champions League, though Leoni would need to be registered as one of 17 foreign players in the senior squad.

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