Liverpool’s decision not to sign Marc Guehi during the summer has come to be seen as a sliding doors moment.
The Reds left it until transfer deadline day before making their move, but looked to have got their man after agreeing a deal with Crystal Palace.
However, Palace pulled out at the last second while Guehi underwent a medical to join Liverpool.
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Ibrahima Konate’s form has tanked in the months since, but with Arne Slot unable to field a viable alternative, the Frenchman has had to continue. That has cost Liverpool in a big way.
While the blame for the deal collapsing lay squarely with Palace, many fans were left asking why the Reds left it so late to make their move for Guehi. Finally, the answer has been at least partially revealed.
Liverpool prioritised Giovanni Leoni over Marc Guehi
Guehi is exactly the kind of player Liverpool could do with right now. As the Reds have struggled badly in 2025/26, the 25-year-old has become even better.
Palace currently sit fifth in the Premier League table and have already beaten Liverpool on three separate occasions this season.
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Despite Guehi’s clear qualities, though, The Times have claimed that Giovanni Leoni was always Liverpool’s priority centre-back signing.
The Reds secured Leoni in early August, and it is claimed that the Italian was their first-choice addition over Guehi.
Talks to sign the England international reportedly began on August 10th, before going quiet for 20 days.
Liverpool bought Leoni on August 15th, suggesting that Guehi may have been a back-up to the youngster, before the Reds decided they actually may need both.
Which Crystal Palace player would you most like to see Oliver Glasner bring to Liverpool?
- Marc Guehi (to replace Ibrahima Konate)
- Adam Wharton (Liverpool need a midfielder)
- Daniel Munoz (Right-back is a problem area)
- Jean-Philippe Mateta (Ongoing transfer links)
Liverpool cannot be blamed for Guehi failure
Although supporters are clearly frustrated at the decision to wait before taking decisive action over Guehi, Liverpool have been unlucky in this transfer saga as well.
Had Leoni not suffered a season-ending knee injury in September, he would likely have taken up a spot in Liverpool’s starting XI by now.
Leoni was superb against Southampton before picking up a serious problem, and Konate’s form would surely have led to an exile if he was still fit.
In that scenario, Liverpool may not have been looking like they’d missed out on Guehi at all. Unfortunately, injuries change the make-up of squads and, as a result, seasons.
They may have been unlucky with Guehi once, but the Reds must now take the initiative and test Palace’s resolve with an offer as soon as the clock strikes 12 midnight on January 1st.
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