Liverpool are closing in on securing the services of defensive prodigy Giovanni Leoni from Serie A side Parma.
The Anfield club have agreed a transfer fee of £26 million, as confirmed by Sky Sports. There could be significant performance-related add-ons in this deal. The negotiations are in an advanced stage.
Parma have given the green light to Leoni to discuss on personal terms with Liverpool’s entourage. The defender will undergo a medical examination before a formal transfer announcement is made.
There was media speculation that suggested that Giovanni Leoni could be immediately sent out on loan post the completion of his transfer. However, the defender is central to gaffer Slot’s plans at Liverpool this season.
The transfer summer
Despite spending lavishly in the summer transfer market already, Arne Slot is determined to further bolster his squad in his bid to defend the Premier League title. The club have strategically chosen to sign a centre back with Ibrahim Konate entering the final year of his contract at the Anfield Stadium.
Liverpool were not the only club seeking the services of the central defender. The Reds successfully fended off interest from other Premier League clubs. Liverpool’s sworn rivals, Manchester United, made a last-ditch attempt to hijack the transfer but failed to achieve their mission.
Serie A heavyweights, AC Milan and Inter Milan, also tried their best to get their hands on the defender but could not persuade Leoni.
The story ahead
It is understood that Giovanni himself was confident that Liverpool would be the ideal destination for him. The presence of Virgil van Dijk made Leoni’s decision easier as the young defender considers the Dutchman an inspiration in defending.
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Liverpool have also been aggressively linked with a transfer for Crystal Palace centre-back Marc Guehi. However, Arne Slot & Co. are contemplating whether it would be a wiser decision to sign Guehi next summer on a free transfer when he is out of contract.
If the Reds are successful in striking a deal with Parma, it could easily push their transfer bill for the summer to over £300 million – a staggering financial achievement. At the same time, it leaves a lot to be desired if this is the new normal in football.