Arne Slot finally has a new young center-half after Liverpool agreed on a $35 million deal with Parma for Giovanni Leoni, but it was another transfer that Newcastle United missed out on.

Liverpool has made several acquisitions this summer in various positions, but the lack of depth in central defense was a significant concern.

Still, Liverpool submitted a bid worth $148 million for Newcastle striker Alexander Isak and continued to work on defensive targets in the background.

The top priority was Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi, but Liverpool is unwilling to pay over the odds and may wait for his contract to expire in June 2026 before attempting a free transfer.

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According to The Times, Newcastle made a formal bid to Parma for Leoni, but Liverpool swooped in and saw its bid accepted.

Alexander Isak will not play for Newcastle this weekend

Newcastle head coach Eddie Howe has confirmed that Isak will not play in the opening game of the season against Aston Villa, due to uncertainty surrounding his future

A sale may hinge on a potential deal for Wissa, but Howe confirmed that Isak still wants to leave the club.

"There has been no change
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