Arrigo Sacchi explains why Giovanni Leoni to Liverpool has made him ‘angry’

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Liverpool are close to completing another new signing.

TBR Football understand a €35m (£30m) deal for Giovanni Leoni is nearing at Anfield as Liverpool also attempt to take Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace.

As a regular for England, more fans will know about the Crystal Palace No.6 than the Parma No.46 – who is just 18 years of age.

However, Leoni has just received the seal of approval from a legend in Arrigo Sacchi – who is pleased for Liverpool, but also “angry” about the deal.

Arrigo Sacchi rates Giovanni Leoni highly

In his column for Gazzetta dello Sport, the 79-year-old heaped praise on the teenager and congratulated Liverpool for spotting his talent.

Sacchi wrote: “Liverpool’s hands are reaching out for Giovanni Leoni. On the one hand, the news makes me immensely happy, and on the other, it makes me a little angry.

“Let me explain. I am happy that an Italian player is receiving praise from a major club like Liverpool, but I wish AC Milan or Inter, Juventus, or Napoli were competing for his transfer, not a foreign club.

“I feel like the Reds would make a great coup by securing this boy, whom I followed with curiosity and interest in the second half of last season. Leoni is only eighteen, and I’m told he’s a decent guy, hard-working, humble, and very determined.”

The Rome-born wonderkid made 14 starts in Serie A for Parma last term, scoring once and helping them avoid relegation by finishing 16th.

Liverpool still have a decision to make over Giovanni Leoni

TBR Football understand Leoni wants to continue playing regular football – especially ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup next summer.

The Italy U19 international would be unlikely to get his wish at Anfield with Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konate and Joe Gomez already available to Arne Slot, so talks are currently taking place over whether to loan the defender back to Parma.

Guehi could also join Liverpool – which would provide even more competition for Leoni.

Liverpool are hoping to sign both Leoni and Guehi this summer, amid doubts over Ibrahima Konate – the France international is yet to sign a new contract and becomes a free agent in June 2026.