Slot confirms Liverpool are set to sign defender | OneFootball

Arne Slot has confirmed that Liverpool have agreed a deal to sign defender Giovanni Leoni from Parma.

The 18-year-old looks set to join the Reds in a deal worth around £30m.

Speaking ahead of Liverpool’s opening day Premier League clash with Bournemouth, head coach Slot said: “The clubs have agreed a deal but he hasn’t signed for us yet, the moment he has signed for us I can go into more detail.”

Liverpool host the Cherries at Anfield on Friday night looking to get their title defence off to a strong start, having cruised to the Premier League title last season.

But there have been plenty of changes at the club this summer, with Slot already bringing in four big signings in Jeremie Frimpong, Milos Kerkez, Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike.

“The main reason that is so difficult is because there are so many competitors who can win the league,” Slot said. “It’s unbelievable if you are able to do it in this league.

“This year will be even harder than before. Every season and pre-season has its challenges. We have lost many starters. It is not always yourself but the teams you face.

“We start with Bournemouth, probably the most intense team in the league last season, in running and playing style. Afterwards it’s Newcastle and Arsenal.

“We have lost five to six players who played quite a lot of minutes last season, and brought in four, so it’s normal there is adaptation.”

Wirtz arrived in a British record £116m deal and Slot says he is already impressed by what he has seen from the Germany international.

“Factually we can see him as a young player, but I don’t see him as one,” he said. “He won the cup and league in Germany, and his mentality is his biggest strength.

“That says a lot, because when you see him play he is so creative. He is mentally strong, he doesn’t get distracted by a transfer fee or anything else.

“Good players always find a way to play well in good teams. He has to adjust to England, the league and the intensity, and his team-mates. His adjustment has already gone quite well, more than we expected.”