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When will Liverpool secure the Premier League title? | Liverpool FC via Getty Images
Liverpool are looking to strengthen their backline this summer.
There is still time left for Liverpool to add to their impressive haul of new signings this summer.
While the Reds have a burning desire to create the ultimate unstoppable attack, it’s their defence that needs the attention now. Given Ibrahima Konate’s unclear future and Joe Gomez’s recent injury setback, Liverpool’s central defensive options are seriously limited.
The Reds have been linked with a number of centre-backs this window but no deal is yet to come to fruition. Following the sale of Jarrel Quansah, Arne Slot has just three natural central defenders on his roster.
While the manager has confirmed he trusts both Wataru Endo and Andy Robertson to slot into centre-back, the club remain linked with new options.
Liverpool aiming to ‘persuade’ centre-back target to sign
Parma centre-back Giovanni Leoni is currently on Liverpool’s shortlist. While he is just 18 years of age, he is attracting attention from a number of clubs after becoming a regular figure for his current club.
According to The Athletic’s latest Transfer DealSheet, Liverpool are now ‘trying to persuade’ Leoni to join the ranks at Anfield. The Premier League champions are aware it will be a challenge to snag a deal for the teenager but they may have been handed a boost following updates on fellow interested clubs.
The report claims that while clubs in Italy are showing interest in keeping him close to home, none of them ‘can afford them’ at this moment in time. Leoni’s asking price is reported to be in the region of €40 million (£34.5m), which is completely out of range for most Italian sides.
If other clubs are ruled out of the picture, Liverpool could have a clear shot at attempting to sign Leoni.
Fabrizio Romano update on Liverpool Giovanni Leoni interest
Fabrizio Romano also provided an update on Liverpool’s link with Leoni. Speaking on the Here We Go Podcast earlier this week, the transfer expert relayed that the Reds are ‘really, really considering’ signing the Parma defender.
“Liverpool started following and monitoring this player, including him on the shortlist, and now I can tell you they start really building their interest,” Romano said.
He also reiterated the €40 million (£34.5m) asking price, which has put him out of reach of rival Italian clubs.
As things stand, Konate is no closer to agreeing new terms with Liverpool. His current contract is due to expire next summer and Real Madrid have been lurking, hoping to snatch him up as a free agent in 2026.
The Reds are looking for back-up options for their Premier League title-defending season but they are also planning for the future. Konate will be leaving the club next year unless new terms are agreed, and Virgil van Dijk is not getting any younger. Liverpool are scoping out what their future backline will look like and are keeping tabs on potential recruits for now and the near future.
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