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. For now, Liverpool has signed 18-year-old prospect Leoni, but Newcastle also submitted a bid for the Italian.
According to The Times, Newcastle made a formal bid to Parma for Leoni, but Liverpool swooped in and saw its bid accepted. Leoni flew to England on Thursday to undergo his medical, and the deal is expected to be completed.
Liverpool had already hijacked Newcastle's plans to sign Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike, and is still monitoring Isak, who has made it clear that he wants to join the Premier League champions. Newcastle is yet to sign a potential replacement, but Brentford's Yoane Wissa is heavily linked.
Inter Milan was also linked with Leoni, as new head coach Cristian Chivu coached him at Parma last season. Though Leoni isn't expected to start for Liverpool this season, it's a key addition for Slot.
Giovanni Leoni, 18, is set to join Liverpool on a six-year contract
Giovanni Leoni, 18, is set to join Liverpool on a six-year contract (Image: 2025 Parma Calcio 1913)
Liverpool has one of the best central defensive partnerships in world soccer, Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate. However, Sepp van den Berg was sold to Brentford last year, and both Nat Phillips and Jarell Quansah secured permanent moves this summer.
Joe Gomez and Rhys Williams were the only senior options behind Van Dijk and Konate, but Leoni is expected to add crucial depth. The 6-foot-5 defender is highly rated and is seen as a future star.
Leoni is expected to join fellow new arrivals Ekitike, Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong, Milos Kerkez, Armin Pecsi, and Freddie Woodman. Liverpool's business has been impressive this summer, but a record deal for Isak could still be in motion.
Alexander Isak will not play for Newcastle this weekend
Alexander Isak will not play for Newcastle this weekend (Image: Getty Images)
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. Isak hasn't trained with his teammates ahead of the new season, due to his conduct.
Isak is reportedly on strike until he gets a summer move, and Liverpool is waiting for Newcastle to entertain a new offer before submitting a formal bid. 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. All my focus is on Aston Villa tomorrow," Howe told reporters on Friday. "Isak's situation has been clear for a while, and that will continue to be the case.
"I always want to be there for him. I don't think Isak would have done as well without that, his teammates, the supporters -- he recognizes that, he's an intelligent person."