Fabrizio Romano: Liverpool seal six-year deal for next signing, medical underway
Liverpool are close to finalizing their next summer signing as they prepare to defend their Premier League crown.
Debutants Hugo Ekitike and Jeremie Frimpong both found the net, while record signing Florian Wirtz impressed, justifying his hefty price tag. The match ended 2-2, with the FA Cup holders winning on penalties.
The Reds open their 2025–26 league campaign at home to Bournemouth on Friday night. Last season, Arne Slot led Liverpool to their first league title in decades, and now they aim to retain it for the first time since the 1980s.
With just over two weeks left in the transfer window, Liverpool have agreed a deal for Parma’s Giovanni Leoni, and could still move for Marc Guehi and Alexander Isak.
Romano’s update on Leoni
Transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano revealed that Leoni has signed a six-year contract with Liverpool—unusually long compared to their typical five-year deals—and has completed the main stage of his medical. Ekitike also received a six-year contract, while other summer arrivals have signed for five. An official announcement is expected this week.
Leoni had attracted interest from several Serie A sides, while Manchester United and Newcastle United reportedly made late moves to secure him.
Arne Slot on transfers
Speaking to Sky Sports, Slot said he still hopes to bring in another forward:
“Hugo is mainly a No. 9 but can play from the left or alongside another striker. With Darwin and Luis Díaz gone, and given last season we had more options, it’s clear we need at least one more attacker.”
On Leoni, Slot confirmed an agreement with Parma but refused to discuss Marc Guehi, saying:
“He’s not part of our squad. He was captain of the team that beat us last Sunday. If you want to talk about him, ask Palace and their manager Oliver Glasner.”
