- Leoni has already agreed to join Liverpool
- Parma asking for €30m plus bonuses for Italian defender
- Slot keen to add depth to centre-back options
Liverpool are closing in on a deal for Parma’s young centre-back Leoni, with Fabrizio Romano reporting that the player has already said “yes” to joining the Premier League champions. The Reds want him to join immediately, ruling out any loan-back arrangement to Italy. Talks between the clubs are ongoing, with Parma valuing the teenager at around €30 million (£26m/$32m) plus bonuses, according to Gianluca Di Marzio.
Leoni’s arrival would be a timely boost for Slot, who is short on central defensive options following Jarell Quansah’s summer move to Bayer Leverkusen and Joe Gomez’s Achilles injury. Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate were the only fit senior centre-backs for Liverpool’s Community Shield defeat to Crystal Palace. At 6’5” and already showing maturity in Serie A, Leoni could be both an immediate squad option and a long-term project.
The 18-year-old broke into Parma’s first team last season, making 17 Serie A appearances in the second half of the campaign. Known for his dominance in the air, recovery speed, and positional intelligence, he has also been linked with Inter, Tottenham and Newcastle. However, Liverpool’s financial power gives them an edge, with a decisive push for the deal expected soon.
Negotiations with Parma are set to continue, with optimism that an agreement can be reached before the transfer window closes on September 1. The Reds could still look to sign Marc Guehi alongside Leoni to further strengthen their defence.
