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Liverpool are poised to sign their first centre-back since 2021 as Giovanni Leoni prepares to join from Parma.
The Reds have been patient in the market, preferring to develop Jarell Quansah rather than buy a ready-made option in recent years.
However, with Quansah sold to Bayer Leverkusen this summer, Liverpool knew they needed to act.
Marc Guehi is still being pursued as a more first-team ready option, but in the meantime Liverpool are set to sign Giovanni Leoni from Parma.
Leoni is a big talent, but aged just 18, plenty of patience will be needed.
There is a clear pathway to being a starter at Anfield, but he is unlikely to dislodge Virgil van Dijk or Ibrahima Konate any time soon.
Nevertheless, Leoni is with the Reds for the long-haul, with journalist Fabrizio Romano revealing his contract length ahead of the Italian’s unveiling.
Photo by Luca Amedeo Bizzarri/Getty Images
There is an argument that, owing to Joe Gomez’s injuries, Liverpool actually need to sign two centre-backs this summer.
With Gomez and Van Dijk out of contract in 2027 and Ibrahima Konate’s deal running out one year earlier, there are some real question marks over the Reds’ long-term defensive options.
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Thankfully, Leoni is coming in to rectify that.
And according to Romano, the youngster is set to sign up for six years at Liverpool this weekend.
“Giovanni Leoni has completed main part of his medical and signs his contract as new Liverpool player!” the transfer expert posted on X late on Thursday evening.
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“Exclusive detail in addition: contract will be valid until June 2031, six year deal at LFC.
“Official announcement to follow this week.”
With Leoni being such a young player, there had been some suggestion that he could head back to Italy, or elsewhere, on loan instead of staying at Liverpool this term.
However, speaking on his YouTube channel on Thursday, Romano strongly denied these rumours.
According to the Italian reporter, Leoni will be part of the Liverpool squad this season.
Given Arne Slot’s shortage of central defenders, that should not come as a surprise.
Although he is a very young player, Liverpool clearly rate Leoni extremely highly.
There are plenty of games and he will likely play more than people realise.
Signed up until 2031, it may be the least we see Leoni with Liverpool this season, but not to worry, he is here for the long haul.
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