Arne Slot Expected Questions on Potential Liverpool Signings
From the moment Arne Slot stepped into the press room at the AXA Training Centre on Thursday morning, he was ready to face questions about Liverpool’s potential new signings.
The Reds have opened discussions with Crystal Palace over a possible £35 million move for Marc Guehi (as reported by The Times), with the defender reportedly keen on joining the reigning Premier League champions — the very team he helped defeat in last weekend’s Community Shield.
Liverpool’s pursuit of Giovanni Leoni is at a more advanced stage. According to Fabrizio Romano on Wednesday night (via X), a deal worth €35m (£30.1m) has already been agreed with Parma. The 18-year-old is expected to arrive on Merseyside today for a medical.
Slot Discusses Leoni and Guehi Transfers
Speaking at his pre-match press conference ahead of Friday night’s Premier League opener against Bournemouth, Slot was quickly asked for updates on both players.
Unusually forthright about Leoni’s situation, Slot confirmed that a deal is in place but noted that the player has not officially signed yet. He deflected questions about Guehi, as expected.
“The clubs have agreed a deal [for Leoni], but he hasn’t signed yet,” the 46-year-old said (via Liverpool FC on YouTube). “Once he does, I can provide more details.
“As for the other player [Guehi], it’s the usual answer from me. He’s not a Liverpool player and, unfortunately, was captain of the team that beat us last Sunday. If you want to discuss him, you should speak with Crystal Palace and their manager, Oliver Glasner.”
Leoni Deal Nears Completion
Slot’s willingness to speak more openly about Leoni suggests that the teenager’s arrival is imminent – a rare level of transparency from the Dutchman in such matters.
However, his more reserved comments about Guehi indicate that negotiations for the Palace captain are still in early stages.
Slot will no doubt be relieved to bolster his defence with Leoni’s expected arrival, especially since the squad currently has just three fit centre-backs. Joe Gomez has only recently returned to training after an Achilles issue that limited his preseason.
Leoni’s signing is about more than just depth. Former AC Milan coach Arrigo Sacchi praised the young defender as a “great coup” who has already shown he has what it takes to succeed at the highest level.
The deal for the Italian centre-back also effectively offsets the £30 million sale of Jarell Quansah to Bayer Leverkusen. With time still left before the transfer window closes on 1 September, Liverpool will hope they can wrap up a move for Guehi as well.
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