Liverpool has signed 18-year-old Giovanni Leoni from Parma for £26 million, filling a crucial defensive gap with high expectations for his future impact, amidst a competitive market for emerging centre backs.
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has dismissed the idea of signing a centre-back in the January transfer window following Joel Matip's season-ending knee injury. Klopp cited the difficulty of finding a player of sufficient quality and the financial implications of such a move. He expressed confidence in the current squad, which includes Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konate, Joe Gomez, and youngster Jarell Quansah. Klopp also left the door open for Matip to extend his contract with the club, stating that the decision would be made jointly with the player.
Chelsea have reached an agreement for a new six-year contract with Levi Colwill, securing the 20-year-old centre-back's commitment until at least 2029. Colwill returned to Chelsea after a successful loan spell at Brighton & Hove Albion and has impressed during the pre-season tour. The young defender has been praised by head coach Mauricio Pochettino and is seen as a rising star in English football. Colwill will face competition for a place in the Chelsea defense, but his focus is on gaining game time to continue his progress and momentum.