Liverpool have completed the signing of anorher sensational star Arbe Slot is really working behind the scene

Liverpool’s summer transfer window has already been full of energy, anticipation, and bold moves, but now one of the most exciting additions of the Arne Slot era is officially on the brink of being unveiled. The signing of Giovanni Leoni from Parma is all but complete, with Fabrizio Romano confirming that the young Italian centre-back has signed a six-year deal, completed the main part of his medical, and will soon be officially announced as a Liverpool player.

For the fans, this is not just another new face. This is a player many believe could grow into one of Europe’s most dominant defenders. Leoni’s arrival is part of a bigger picture — a squad being reshaped with precision and ambition, ready to defend the Premier League title they won in Slot’s first season.

The build-up to the new campaign has been dramatic. Just last weekend, Liverpool faced Crystal Palace in the FA Community Shield, a game that gave supporters their first taste of the revamped squad. There were plenty of positives despite the eventual defeat on penalties. Hugo Ekitike and Jeremie Frimpong both scored on their competitive debuts, and Florian Wirtz — the record-breaking signing — showed flashes of the magic that convinced Liverpool to spend so heavily on him. But the 2-2 draw also reminded Slot that there is still work to be done if his team are to dominate again this season.

That is why the Leoni signing is so important. The young defender was on the radar of several clubs, including Manchester United and Newcastle United, who reportedly made late attempts to hijack the deal. But Liverpool moved quickly, agreeing a fee with Parma and securing the player’s commitment until June 2031. This longer contract length is a slight shift in policy — in recent years, the club tended to hand out five-year deals, but both Leoni and Ekitike have been given six-year agreements, a clear sign of faith in their long-term potential.

Slot has spoken openly about the need to strengthen further. While Leoni’s arrival will boost the defence, the Liverpool boss has made it clear that he also wants another forward. With Darwin Núñez and Luis Díaz both gone, the attacking options have been reduced, and Slot knows that injuries or loss of form can derail a season quickly. He has hinted that one more attacker is essential, naming Diogo Jota as an important player but stressing the need for depth.

The manager, however, has been more guarded when discussing the pursuit of Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace. Reports suggest personal terms are already agreed, but Slot refused to confirm any progress, pointing out that Guehi is still very much a Palace player and was captain of the side that beat Liverpool in the Community Shield. The message is clear — negotiations are ongoing, but nothing will be said publicly until there is something concrete.

For now, the focus is on starting the Premier League campaign strongly. Tonight’s opener against Bournemouth at Anfield is the first step in the title defence, and the mood around the club is one of quiet confidence. The squad is stronger in some areas than last season, and with new players like Leoni coming in, there is a feeling that this Liverpool team could be built to dominate not just this year, but for many years to come.

The Leoni deal, when announced, will be another statement — that Liverpool are not content to stand still, that they are willing to outmanoeuvre rivals, and that the rebuild under Slot is just getting started. Supporters know the transfer window still has over two weeks left, and more twists are likely. But with the new season underway, the combination of fresh signings and proven winners could make this one of the most exciting campaigns Anfield has seen in decades.