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Liverpool Near Deal to Sign Defender Giovanni Leoni

Liverpool is close to completing the signing of 18-year-old defender Giovanni Leoni from Parma. The club has reportedly reached a verbal agreement on personal terms with Leoni for a six-year contract lasting until 2031. The total deal is expected to be worth around €35 million (£30-35 million), which includes an initial fee of €30 million plus €5 million in performance-related bonuses.

The transfer is viewed as a strategic move to strengthen Liverpool’s defense following the £35 million sale of Jarell Quansah to Bayer Leverkusen. Manager Arne Slot is looking to bolster central defensive options, especially with seasoned defender Joe Gomez currently injured. Leoni is expected to compete for a spot alongside Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate in the defensive lineup.

In addition to Leoni, Liverpool is also interested in signing Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi to further reinforce its defensive ranks. The club seems poised to invest significantly in these defensive signings to improve squad depth and cover gaps created due to recent departures and injuries.

Leoni’s young age and potential have made him a highly sought-after talent, and his move to Liverpool is seen as an important acquisition to help the club maintain solid defensive performance in upcoming seasons.

PP