Liverpool fans are buzzing after manager Arne Slot confirmed that the club has agreed a deal to sign young Parma defender Giovanni Leoni. The Italian star, just 18 years old, is seen as one of the brightest defensive talents in Europe.
Reports revealed earlier this week that Liverpool had entered talks for Leoni, and the negotiations have quickly progressed. The Italy under-19 international is contracted to Parma until June 2029 and is expected to cost around £30 million.
“The clubs have agreed a deal but he hasn’t signed. The moment he signs I can go into more detail,” Slot told reporters.
The Reds are actively strengthening their defence after concerns grew over a lack of depth in central defence. The sale of Jarell Quansah to Bayer Leverkusen has left the injured Joe Gomez as the most senior backup to Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate.
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Liverpool are also in discussions to sign Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace. The Palace captain is in the final year of his contract and is eager to move to Anfield.
“The other one (Guehi) is the same answer I always give,” Slot added. “Can I talk more? No, he is not our player, unfortunately he was the captain of the team we lost against. If you want to talk about him, go to [Oliver] Glasner and Palace and ask them.”
Liverpool have already spent over £300 million this summer, signing Hugo Ekitike, Florian Wirtz, Milos Kerkez, Jeremie Frimpong, Armin Pesci, and Freddie Woodman. But the club remains focused on reinforcing the defence before potentially returning with another offer for Newcastle striker Alexander Isak.
Both Slot and Van Dijk highlighted defence as Liverpool’s weakest area following their Community Shield defeat on penalties to Crystal Palace.
During pre-season, Liverpool managed just one clean sheet and appeared vulnerable against Palace at Wembley. Leoni, despite only 17 senior appearances for Parma, is highly regarded in Italy and expected to take time to settle at Anfield.
Guehi, however, could make an immediate impact. Liverpool aim to sign him for between £30 million and £35 million, though Palace are holding out for £40 million.
Oliver Glasner is reportedly reluctant to lose his captain just before the Premier League season starts. Yet financial realities may force Palace’s hand, as losing him next summer would come at no cost. This follows the club’s Court of Arbitration for Sport defeat over UEFA’s Europa League demotion, which cost them around £20 million.
Meanwhile, Liverpool have not given up on Newcastle striker Alexander Isak. Their initial £120 million bid was rejected, and the forward has gone on strike to push for a transfer.
Van Dijk hinted at the squad’s desire to bring Isak in. “Well, we just lost Darwin [Nunez], he went to Saudi and we lost Lucho [Luis Diaz], obviously he went to Bayern,” he told talkSPORT. “I think there’s always room for an attacker in order to strengthen us so let’s see what the window brings in terms of the balance of the team.”
Wayne Rooney believes Liverpool would be “unstoppable” if Isak joins. The Premier League legend praised Slot’s team after last season’s title win and sees the striker as the missing piece.
“They were dominant en route to their title triumph last year. If Isak comes in, I think they’re going to be unstoppable,” Rooney told Match of the Day.
Liverpool have been aggressive in the transfer market, already breaking the British record to sign Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen. Hugo Ekitike has also joined from Frankfurt for nearly £80 million to lead the attack.
Rooney pointed out that Liverpool’s full-back situation, after Trent Alexander-Arnold’s departure, is crucial. Jeremie Frimpong, also from Leverkus, is expected to fill that role effectively.
“The quality they’ve got is impressive. Replacing Trent was big because many chances and goals came from that side,” Rooney added.
Rooney also singled out Liverpool youngster Rio Ngumoha as one of the best young players, noting his promising pre-season performances. Slot confirmed: “I see him train, I see him play, and the impact he has when he trains and plays is really promising.”
Liverpool’s summer moves highlight the club’s ambition to go back-to-back in the Premier League. Defensively, Leoni could be a long-term solution, while Guehi may challenge Konate immediately for a starting spot.
Offensively, Isak remains a high-priority target. Van Dijk and the squad see him as key to strengthening Liverpool’s balance and firepower, making the team even more formidable.
Even with multiple high-profile arrivals, the Reds are maintaining careful planning, focusing on both short-term impact and long-term growth in defence and attack.
Rooney also commented on Manchester United’s rebuild, suggesting they could return to Champions League contention after spending over £200 million on players like Benjamin Sesko.
“As I said, they still need one or two more signings, but Amorim, I can see what he’s doing and I think it is looking better. They will sneak into the top five,” Rooney said.
Liverpool fans can expect a summer of excitement with Leoni joining, Guehi negotiations ongoing, and the potential Isak blockbuster. The Reds are shaping up for a season of dominance.
