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Liverpool is still keen to sign Marc Guehi before the summer transfer window closes after completing a deal to sign Giovanni Leoni from Parma. Leoni has signed a six-year deal at Anfield and will go straight into the first-team set-up, despite being just 18 years old.
He takes the number of center-backs in Arne Slot's squad back up to four, following the departure of Jarell Quansah to Bayern Munich at the beginning of July.
There remains some uncertainty surrounding the position though, with Ibrahima Konate's current contract due to expire next summer, and uncertainty surrounding the fitness of Joe Gomez, who has not appeared in a competitive game for Liverpool since February.
The addition of Guehi alongside Leoni would add some stability to Liverpool's defense, and the club is expected to accelerate its pursuit of the England international as the end of the window approaches.
Guehi — like Konate — is on course to become a free agent at his current club next summer, and there is no expectation that he will sign a contract extension to stay at Crystal Palace beyond the summer of 2026.
Palace chairman Steve Parish hinted that Guehi could be sold earlier this month as he accepted it would be difficult for Palace to accept losing him on a free transfer in 2026.
"For players of that calibre to leave on a free, it's a problem for us unfortunately," Parish said. "Joachim [Andersen] went [to Fulham last summer] and we couldn't afford to lose both.
"We then had another bid [for Guehi] in January but that was a different situation. We'll just have to see what happens. But, you know, it needs a new contract or a conclusion of some kind."
Meanwhile, Liverpool new boy Leoni said he simply could not say no to a move to Liverpool when he found out about the Reds' interest in signing him.
“I’m very happy to be here. It’s a really great sensation and I’m honoured to be here,” Leoni told club media. “Yeah, a lot [of excitement]. I’m so honoured. I was very happy [about Liverpool being interested]. When I saw this I said, ‘Wow, this is crazy.’ I’m very happy.”
He added: "It's one of the best clubs in the world. It's not possible to say no to this club. Yes, [it was] easy – because it's one of the best clubs in the world. I didn't say no!"
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