The latest Liverpool transfer news as the club are closing in on their latest signing of the summer transfer window as they prepare for their first game of the season.
Giovanni Leoni during the pre-season friendly match between Werder Bremen and Parma Calcio.
Liverpool are closing in on a transfer for Parma defender Giovanni Leoni. (Image: Luca Amedeo Bizzarri - Parma Calcio 1913/Parma Calcio 1913 via Getty Images)
Liverpool are preparing to kick off the new Premier League season as they look to defend their crown. The Reds take on AFC Bournemouth at Anfield on Friday night (8pm kick-off).
After a busy summer transfer window so far, the match could see a few players make their competitive debuts for Arne Slot’s side. Florian Wirtz, Hugo Ekitike, Milos Kerkez, Jeremie Frimpong, Armin Pecsi and Freddie Woodman have all made the move to Anfield so far.
The Reds are also closing in on their seventh incoming transfer of the window. The club are closing in on a £26 million transfer for Parma centre-back Giovanni Leoni.
The 18-year-old has been given permission to undergo a medical at Anfield ahead of a move from the Italian side. Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Slot has confirmed that an agreement has been reached for the player.
“(I can tell you) that the clubs have agreed a deal but he hasn’t signed for us yet,” he said. “The moment when he signs for us, I can go into more detail.
“And the other one (Guehi) is of course the answer you always get from me.
“No, (I cannot go into more detail) because he is not our player and unfortunately he was the captain of the team we lost against last Sunday.
“No, if you want to have any talks about him, you should go to Palace, to (Oliver) Glasner and ask him his opinion about him.”
With a deal seemingly close, it’s possible that the transfer could be completed before the weekend and Liverpool’s game against Bournemouth. However, Premier League rules mean that he wouldn't be able to make his debut in the game.
Players have to be registered by 12pm on the last working day before the game they wish to play in. Therefore, for Liverpool, the deadline was at 12pm on Thursday.
Leoni would therefore have to wait another week to make his debut for the club when the Reds take on Newcastle United at St James’ Park on Monday 25th August (8pm kick-off).
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