Liverpool manager Arne Slot confirmed today that the Premier League champions have agreed a transfer deal to sign 18-year-old centre-back Giovanni Leoni from Italian side Parma.
Reports indicate that Liverpool will pay £26 million ($35 million) for the young prospect, who has made just 17 appearances in Serie A for Parma. Leoni is considered a highly talented defender with strong potential to develop into a key player for the Reds.
Liverpool have already invested heavily this summer, spending £260 million on players including Florian Wirtz, Hugo Ekitike, Jeremie Frimpong, and Milos Kerkez, as Slot looks to build a squad capable of defending their record-equalling 20th English top-flight title. However, the club’s defensive options had been stretched following the departure of Jarell Quansah to Bayer Leverkusen, leaving Slot with just three senior centre-backs. Joe Gomez has missed much of pre-season due to injury, while Ibrahima Konate has just one year remaining on his contract.
“The clubs have agreed a deal but he hasn’t signed for us yet. The moment when he signs for us I can go into more detail,” Slot said during a press conference ahead of Liverpool’s Premier League opener against Bournemouth on Friday.
Even with Leoni’s impending arrival, Liverpool are reportedly considering additional defensive reinforcements before the transfer window closes, with Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi linked with a potential move to Anfield.
Slot acknowledged the challenge of defending the Premier League title amid significant squad changes, noting that Liverpool have not won back-to-back league championships since 1984. Key departures this summer include Trent Alexander-Arnold, Luis Diaz, Darwin Nunez, and Caoimhin Kelleher, while the club is still mourning the tragic death of Diogo Jota in a car accident last month.
“The main reason that is so difficult is because there are so many competitors who can win the league. It’s unbelievable if you are able to do it in this league. This year will be even harder than before,” Slot said.
Speaking on Leoni’s qualities, Slot added, “When you see him play, he is so creative. He is mentally strong, he doesn’t get distracted by a transfer fee or anything else. Good players always find a way to perform well in strong teams. He has to adjust to England, the league, the intensity, and his teammates. His adjustment has already gone quite well, more than we expected.”
Slot also reflected on the squad turnover: “We have lost five to six players who played quite a lot of minutes last season, and brought in four, so it’s normal there is adaptation.”
Meanwhile, the fee for Wirtz’s transfer from Leverkusen could rise to a British record £116 million, but Slot is confident the German international has the mentality to handle the pressure of such a price tag.
Liverpool’s pre-season rebuilding and new signings highlight the club’s ambition to retain its league crown while navigating a highly competitive Premier League season.
