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Liverpool are close to signing Giovanni Leoni, an 18-year-old centre-back from Parma. The club has reportedly agreed on personal terms with Leoni for a six-year contract, which would keep him at Anfield until 2031. The transfer fee being discussed is in the region of €30 million plus €5 million in bonuses, or approximately £25-30 million. This move aims to strengthen Liverpool's defensive options under manager Arne Slot.

Leoni is considered a promising young defender, and Liverpool's agreement with him indicates the club's intent to invest in youthful talent while competing at a high level. The negotiations with Parma are reportedly in their final stages, with both clubs working on the details of the deal. The proposed fee aligns with Parma's valuation, which is also supported by reports from Corriere dello Sport and other sources.

In parallel, Liverpool is also monitoring other defensive targets, including Mark Gay from Crystal Palace, although the pursuit of Leoni is a separate matter and would not affect their interest in Gay. Leoni's relative inexperience compared to other targets like Gay has been noted, but his potential and long-term value are key factors in Liverpool’s decision.

The signing of Leoni fits Liverpool's broader transfer strategy for the 2025/26 season, focusing on both immediate defensive reinforcements and long-term squad development.

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