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Liverpool head coach Arne Slot has highlighted an interesting similarity between Giovanni Leoni and Reds captain Virgil van Dijk.
The 18-year-old has completed his move to Anfield after Liverpool reached an agreement with Parma earlier this week. Leoni underwent his medical on Thursday in Merseyside and is understood to have signed a six-year contract with the club.
The initial fee for the transfer is reported to be around £26 million ($35.25 million) with potential add-ons, though the total is not expected to exceed £30 million ($40.67 million). Leoni is set to join the first-team squad immediately under the guidance of Slot and should be available to be in contention to face Newcastle after the Reds missed the deadline to register the player for Bournemouth.
Liverpool released a video showing the first meeting between Slot and Leoni. The Dutchman greeted the 18-year-old defender warmly, exchanged a few casual words such as “How are you?” and, with a smile, even noted Leoni’s height, drawing a playful comparison to the Reds captain.
It was revealed that there is just half a centimetre between the Italian and Van Dijk.
Last season, Leoni broke through at Parma, making 17 appearances under Cristian Chivu during the second half of the campaign. Given his connection with Chivu, there was a genuine possibility he could have followed the coach to Inter Milan, where Chivu now manages.
The Reds convinced Leoni that Anfield offered the best environment for his development, including a clear pathway to first-team football.
This is also why Liverpool declined Parma’s request to loan him back for the season, choosing instead to integrate him directly into the senior squad.
Leoni adds valuable depth to Liverpool’s squad and is expected to feature in cup competitions this season, as well as potentially in the Champions League depending on the draw. The club also believes he is ready to step into Premier League action if required, noting how he successfully coped with the physicality of Serie A strikers such as Romelu Lukaku.
Liverpool is also looking to secure a new contract for Ibrahima Konate, with Real Madrid reportedly monitoring the situation as he enters the final 12 months of his current deal.
Meanwhile, Joe Gomez has returned to full fitness, giving Slot four senior centre-backs to choose from.
The Reds remain interested in Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi, with discussions set to continue over the coming days as they aim to complete a deal before the transfer window closes.
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