The latest Liverpool news as Arne Slot has been handed a blow to his defensive options following injury to summer signing Giovanni Leoni
Amie Wilson Central Audience Writer
16:42, 24 Sep 2025Updated 17:52, 24 Sep 2025
Liverpool defender Giovanni Leoni suffered a serious knee injury in the Carabao Cup tie against Southampton. (Image: Peter Byrne/PA Wire.)
Liverpool will be restricted in the players that they can turn to in the free agent market if they wish to replace Giovanni Leoni this season. The defender made his debut for the club in the Carabao Cup clash against Southampton but saw his evening cut short due to injury.
Leoni was stretchered off the pitch in the 81st minute. As reported by the ECHO, the defender is set for an extended spell on the sidelines after suffering a serious knee injury.
The injury comes as a big blow to Liverpool, with some concerns over their defensive options between now and the transfer window. The club missed out on the deadline day signing of Marc Guehi after Crystal Palace pulled the plug on a move in the final hours.
READ MORE: BREAKING Liverpool fearing serious Giovanni Leoni injury as Arne Slot to give updateREAD MORE: Liverpool can take advantage of new UEFA rule after Giovanni Leoni injury
With the transfer window now closed, and not opening again until the new year, Liverpool’s only option if they wish to add to their defence is to turn to the free agent market. Players not registered with a team are able to sign outside of the window.
Liverpool have one space remaining in their 25-man squad to be able to add a free agent. But one problem limits their options.
Premier League rules state that each squad must contain no more than 17 players who do not fulfil the ‘Home Grown Player (HGP) criteria. A HGP is a player who was registered with any club affiliated with the Football Association or the Football Association of Wales for three entire seasons before the end of the season in which he turns 21.
Liverpool’s squad contains a maximum of 17 non-HGPs, meaning that any free agents registered must fulfil the criteria. Looking at the current free agent market, that leaves just two realistic targets.
The first is former West Bromwich Albion and West Ham United defender Craig Dawson. The 35-year-old left Wolves at the end of his contract in the summer and is yet to join a new club, although his profile makes a move very unlikely.
The second is former Aston Villa defender Kortney Hause. The 30-year-old saw his time at Villa Park impacted by injury. While he is fit now, his injury record could put Liverpool off making a potential move, with the club looking for an option to be available in case of injuries or suspensions.
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