Giovanni Leoni set for Liverpool role in line with his £26m transfer fee – Liverpool FC

Giovanni Leoni is a signing for now in addition to the long run, with Arne Slot impressed with how the £26 million centre-back has already settled in his first-team squad.

Leoni’s transfer from Parma to Liverpool was formally introduced hours earlier than kickoff within the season opener, with the 18-year-old watching that 4-2 win over Bournemouth from the stands.

He was then given time to regulate to his new environment off the pitch earlier than reporting for work on the AXA Coaching Centre on Tuesday.

{The teenager} labored alongside Slot’s first-team squad all through the week as they put together for the journey to Newcastle, and he will likely be in rivalry for that 8pm kickoff.

Whereas Liverpool had all the time deliberate to incorporate Leoni within the senior setup from the off – rejecting any recommendations of a mortgage again to Parma – the affect he has made seems to have satisfied Slot additional.

“He’s an excellent wanting man, that’s most Italians. He educated with us thrice now I feel,” the top coach defined on Thursday.

“For those who have a look at his switch payment, you may anticipate that he’s already fairly grown up for his age, and that’s precisely what I noticed.

“So he is available in as an 18-year-old simply enjoying along with his new teammates as if he’s right here for longer.

“Spectacular if you happen to have a look at how tall, quick, snug on the ball he’s.

“There’s a cause why we paid the switch payment we did, as a result of we see him as a brilliant prospect.

“He already had three good classes, however it additionally tells you one thing concerning the staff that if you happen to come to this membership, if you happen to come into this staff, you are feeling comfy from the beginning.

“It’s an excellent, good group to begin your Liverpool profession in.”

Leoni will discover himself behind Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate within the centre-back pecking order, however with Joe Gomez not absolutely match he may have a chance for recreation break day the bench on Monday evening.

However regardless of their confidence within the new No. 15, Liverpool will likely be desperate to keep away from exposing Leoni to the rigours of high-intensity Premier League soccer too quickly.

The extent to which he will likely be used could rely closely on whether or not or not a deal may be reached with Crystal Palace for his or her captain Marc Guehi, who would be part of as fast competitors for a beginning spot.

Both manner it’s evident that Slot has Leoni firmly in his plans from this season on, and the tall, sturdy Italian is making the appropriate impression to this point.