Sky Sports report that Liverpool have reached a complete verbal agreement, with a medical for their new signing now appearing to be imminent.
Liverpool are on the verge of securing a permanent deal for Parma’s highly rated young centre-back Giovanni Leoni, according to Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg.
The 18-year-old is reportedly eager to join Arne Slot’s side “with immediate effect,” as talks with Parma progress. This move comes alongside Liverpool’s push to finalise an agreement for Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi.
Concerns had been raised that, despite a strong start to the transfer window with full-back signings Milos Kerkez and Jeremie Frimpong, the Reds were leaving themselves short in central defence following Jarell Quansah’s departure to Bayer Leverkusen.
Plettenberg reports that Liverpool have reached a “full verbal agreement” with Leoni, who is regarded as one of Serie A’s most promising young defenders. The club aim to add two more centre-backs before the transfer deadline — an experienced option in Guehi and a young talent in Leoni.
Ben Jacobs, citing TalkSPORT’s Alex Crook, suggests the Leoni deal could be completed within 24 hours. Standing at 6′5″, the Italian is known for his ball-playing ability and composure under pressure, as well as his aerial presence, though there’s still room for improvement in his defensive duels.
With just 17 senior appearances so far, Leoni is considered a long-term project who will need time to adapt to the Premier League. Liverpool’s recruitment team see him as a potential future pillar in defence, even if he’s not yet ready to replace Virgil van Dijk.
