Following Giovanni Leoni’s injury against Southampton, Liverpool are reportedly determined to sign a £40m+ La Liga defender ahead of rival interest from Real Madrid in 2026.
Leoni suffers ACL injury blow
On a night that Liverpool were forced to win late on once again, this time against Southampton in the Carabao Cup, Leoni’s injury stole a fair share of the headlines.
The young defender was stretchered off in the 81st minute courtesy of what appeared to be a knee injury and whilst Arne Slot admitted that a scan was needed to determine the extent of that injury, the worst-case scenario has now been confirmed by Fabrizio Romano.
Slot had told reporters: “Normally these things don’t happen in five to 10 minutes, and you have to wait for tomorrow to see how he comes in and then maybe do an MRI scan to know more about how serious it is.
“Normally the emotions of a player tell you a lot. I saw during the weekend a player in the Dutch Eredivisie who went out completely in tears – Ruben van Bommel, by the way, of PSV – and a day later it proved to be that it was right.”
Injury expert Physio Scout revealed in detail the likely recovery time for the different levels of knee injury, with the defender now unlikely to feature much this season.
“Potential Recovery Time:
If ACL: 9+ months
If meniscus: ~3-4 months”
With the young Italian seemingly out for the season, Liverpool are rumoured to be back in the transfer market in search of a swift replacement after failing to land Marc Guehi on deadline day.
Liverpool racing Real Madrid to sign Tarrega
According to reports in Spain, Liverpool are now determined to beat Real Madrid to Cesar Tarrega in 2026. The 23-year-old has enjoyed a rapid rise at Valencia, who have set their price at €50m (£44m), and is reportedly seen as someone that could become a long-term replacement for Virgil van Dijk at Anfield.
Meanwhile, in the immediate future, the Valencia star would provide ample cover for the injured Leoni. If the Reds keep their foothold in all four competitions, then Slot will need an additional option at centre-back, especially given the added injury history of Joe Gomez.
Minutes
3,026
1,199
Progressive Passes Per 90
3.35
1.58
Tackles Won Per 90
1.10
0.45
Ball Recoveries Per 90
3.10
2.56
Five years older than Leoni, Tarrega’s added experience was reflected in his numbers compared to the teenager last season. And it is that added experience which should make him a viable option for those at Anfield.
The fact that they came within hours of signing Guehi in the summer shows that Liverpool are willing to sign another defender and if it’s not Guehi then it may well be Tarrega in 2026.