Arne Slot Confirms Liverpool Have ‘Agreed a Deal’ to Sign £30m Star | OneFootball

Liverpool Secure Deal for Giovanni Leoni Amid Defensive Reinforcements

Liverpool have moved decisively in the transfer market this summer, confirming a deal with Parma for young centre-back Giovanni Leoni. Manager Arne Slot has outlined the club’s intentions while addressing interest in Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi. With only two fully fit specialist centre-backs at the start of pre-season, the Reds could see their defensive options expand significantly before the transfer window closes.

Giovanni Leoni Set for Medical

Joe Gomez returned to training on Wednesday following an Achilles injury, but Liverpool’s focus quickly shifted to strengthening the backline. The deal with Parma for Giovanni Leoni, reportedly worth in the region of £30million, marks a significant step in Slot’s squad-building strategy.

Leoni is scheduled for a medical on Thursday, with Liverpool expected to finalise the signing shortly thereafter. Speaking ahead of the Bournemouth fixture, Arne Slot commented, “The club have agreed a deal, but he hasn’t signed for us yet. The moment he signs for us, I can go into more detail.”

Photo: IMAGO

This addition is set to bolster Liverpool’s defensive depth, providing reassurance to fans concerned about the heavy reliance on Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate during pre-season.

Marc Guehi Remains a Target

Slot was also questioned about Liverpool’s ongoing pursuit of Marc Guehi. Negotiations with Crystal Palace continue, with a reported £5 million gap between the clubs’ valuations. The Reds are aiming to agree a package in the region of £35 million.

“The other one is of course the answer you always get from me,” Slot explained. “Because he’s not our player. Unfortunately he was the captain of the team we lost against last Sunday. If you want to have any talks about him, you could go to Palace, [Oliver] Glasner, ask him about him.”

While Slot did not deny interest in Guehi, the discussions remain delicate. With the defender entering the final year of his contract, Palace chairman Steve Parish has indicated the club would prefer to sell rather than risk losing him on a free transfer next summer.

Liverpool’s Defensive Strategy Under Slot

Arne Slot has already guided Liverpool to a Premier League title in his debut season, and strengthening the squad remains a priority. Adding Leoni provides fresh talent and competition, while Guehi represents a more immediate solution for the captaincy void in defence.

Liverpool supporters can anticipate movement in the coming days, as the club balances negotiations, injury returns, and strategic recruitment. Slot’s measured responses suggest careful management, but the ambition is clear: to maintain Liverpool’s dominance at the top of English football.

As the transfer window progresses, fans will be watching closely, hopeful that both Leoni and potentially Guehi will secure their places in a side already brimming with Premier League-winning experience.