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A Leeds United player who the club made a millionaire at a young age has returned to the club.

Leeds’ youngest ever players

The Whites have had some brilliant teenagers come through their Thorp Arch academy in recent years, with Harry Gray the latest youth product who looks destined for a regular first-team role.

The forward, younger brother of Archie, made his senior debut for Leeds on the day they sealed their return to the Premier League in a 6-0 win over Stoke City.

At the age of 16 years, 6 months and 13 days, Gray is in the top five of Leeds’ youngest ever players, with club legend Peter Lorimer top of the charts after debuting as a 15-year-old.

Talking about Gray earlier in 2025, Daniel Farke said the teenage forward has the “confidence” and the “skills” to make it as a Leeds player.

“So he definitely has this confidence that you need but it’s also important to channel this a little bit and not to raise expectations too high. He is doing right now his first steps in senior level.

“He has many skills and we like his potential and professionalism. And how humble he behaves – with a few exceptions.

“But that’s totally OK, it would be a pity if your young players were not self confident. But we have to make sure he is not overdoing this. There is a long way to go, he has many things where he needs to improve.”

Weekly wages: Leeds United FC 2025/26 highest-paid players

We at Football FanCast have gathered all the information on exactly how much the wages of each player is at Leeds United.

By
Charlie Smith

Sep 23, 2025

Another former Leeds youngster, Aaron Lennon, is a previous success story of the Whites academy, and he has made a return to the club.

Aaron Lennon back at Leeds after becoming teen millionaire

Lennon, a teenage winger at Leeds between 2003 and 2005, made 43 appearances for the first-team prior to joining Tottenham Hotspur for a reduced fee following the financial troubles at Elland Road.

Lennon, who actually made approximately £1.37m in his time at Elland Road from wages and bonuses, admitted his Leeds contract was “silly”, with “crazy numbers” that ultimately impacted his playing time.

“My contract was silly looking back. It was crazy numbers, and they were thinking he won’t play. But then I started playing. I was on the bench, and they couldn’t put me on because I was going to hit one of those appearances.”

“I remember Gary Kelly going mad and saying our best player is on the bench now. Our most in-form winger is on the bench. I was just sat there, and Leeds fans were singing my name.

“At the end of the season, Ken Bates told me ‘you are done at this club’ because of the money. It wasn’t even in a nice way. And I was like, ‘this is my hometown’. I was upset, and I remember going away and got the call saying they have accepted a bid, ‘you are going Tottenham’.”

It emerged last month that Lennon, now 38, has made a return to Leeds in a coaching role for the U18s, working with Rob Etherington and Alex Purver.

Jonny Howson also made the move back to Leeds after leaving Middlesbrough over the summer, helping the U21 in both a playing and coaching capacity.

Allrounders Deepti Sharma and Amelia Kerr have also been released by their respective franchises

Nagraj Gollapudi05-Nov-2025

India’s World Cup winners Harmanpreet Kaur, Smriti Mandhana, Jemimah Rodrigues and Shafali Verma are some of the high-profile players retained by the WPL franchises ahead of the 2026 mega auction.Australia’s Alyssa Healy and Meg Lanning, along with New Zealand allrounder Amelia Kerr, are set to enter the auction pool after being released by their respective teams. Among other big releases is Deepti Sharma, the Player of the Tournament in the World Cup. Deepti led Warriorz in Healy’s absence in 2025ESPNcricinfo has learned two teams – defending champions Mumbai Indians and Delhi Capitals – have retained five players, the maximum allowed by WPL; Royals Challengers Bengaluru have retained four players, Gujarat Giants have retained two and UP Warriorz have retained one. While the individual amounts for players could not be confirmed, the following are likely retentions:Delhi Capitals: Annabel Sutherland, Marizanne Kapp, Jemimah Rodrigues, Shafali Verma, Niki Prasad
Mumbai Indians: Harmanpreet Kaur, Nat Sciver-Brunt, Amanjot Kaur, G Kamalini and Hayley Matthews
Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Smriti Mandhana, Ellyse Perry, Richa Ghosh, Shreyanka Patil
Gujarat Giants: Ashleigh Gardner, Beth Mooney
UP Warriorz: Shweta Sehrawat.Related

Amanjot, de Klerk and others – World Cup stars who will make their WPL teams think

Anya Shrubsole joins RCB as bowling coach in the WPL

As per WPL retention rules, franchises can retain a maximum of three capped Indian players, a maximum of two overseas players, and a maximum of two uncapped Indian players. In a case where the franchise wanted to retain five players, the rules state that at least one should be an uncapped Indian player. The WPL has also, for the first time, decided to allow franchises the use of right-to-match (RTM) option at the auction to buy back a player who was part of their squad in 2025.Franchises have been allotted INR 15 crore each for the auction, which is understood to take place in Delhi on November 27. While announcing the retention rules, the WPL also listed the guideline prices for the retention slabs: INR 3.5 crore (Player 1), INR 2.5 crore (Player 2), INR 1.75 crore (Player 3), INR 1 crore (Player 4) and INR 50 lakh (Player 5). If a franchise opts to retain five players, INR 9.25 crore would be deducted from its 15 crore purse, while for four, the deduction would be INR 8.75 crore; for three, it would be INR 7.75 crore; for two INR 6 crore; and for one INR 3.5 crore.Therefore DC and MI will have INR 5.75 crore to build their squad, which should have between 16 and 18 players. They will not have any RTMs available.Warriorz, who have retained an uncapped player in Shweta Sehrawat, will have the maximum purse of INR 14.5 crore along with four RTMs. Giants will have three RTMs restricted to only Indian players and a purse of INR 9 crore while RCB will have one RTM and INR 6.25 crore.

West Ham are searching for remedies to improve their lack of available offensive options, and Nuno Espirito Santo could look to change things up tactically at the London Stadium.

West Ham prepare to face Brentford

Despite the Premier League weekend being in full swing, the Hammers have an extra couple of days to prepare for the visit of Brentford in a London Derby of sorts.

Although neither team is exactly a direct rival, local bragging rights are at stake. More importantly, West Ham also have a chance to eat into their unfortunate position in the league table, which will see them remain in the bottom three until kick-off in the capital.

Nuno has plenty of issues to solve now that the international break has concluded, and former Denmark keeper Peter Kjaer suggests that West Ham should recall Mads Hermansen to the starting eleven.

That being said, Nuno has much more pressing matters, like West Ham’s problems in attack.

Injury-prone striker Niclas Füllkrug has torn his thigh, leaving Callum Wilson and youngster Callum Marshall as Nuno’s only options to contest for the number nine role.

This striking shortage will be difficult to manage, and there is no easy way around the enforced changes.

Nevertheless, Nuno will have time to tinker with his side over their upcoming heavy fixture schedule, and it is likely that winger Jarrod Bowen could once again play a makeshift striker role.

With that in mind, there is one man he could turn to elsewhere on the field as a central point of creativity amid his recent displays for the club.

Nuno could turn to West Ham man Crysencio Summerville for inspiration

Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Nuno admitted he could tap into young winger Crysencio Summerville’s pace and agility to help give West Ham an edge in their upcoming fixtures.

Nuno suggests that West Ham’s play could revolve around Summerville’s success in the attacking areas against Brentford, urging his side to support the 23-year-old.

Nuno can fix Fullkrug blow by starting "electric" West Ham gem in new role

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ByJack Salveson Holmes Oct 17, 2025

After coming up with two assists in his first five appearances, the Netherlands international has enjoyed a respectable start to the campaign and is a source of inspiration on the left flank, completing six dribbles so far in the Premier League.

Ultimately, times of need call for assets to step up and deliver. Summerville is enjoying his campaign from a personal standpoint, and it wouldn’t be a surprise to see his numbers grow further.

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da bet nacional： Cruzeiro e Internacional se enfrentam neste domingo (5), em jogo válido pela 32ª rodada do Campeonato Brasileiro. Veja onde assistir, horário e prováveis escalações do confronto!

da cassino： ➡️Veja tabela do Campeonato Brasileiro-2023 clicando aqui

A Raposa precisa pontuar para respirar na tabela e não terminar a rodada na zona de rebaixamento do Brasileirão.

➡️Siga o Lance! no WhatsApp e acompanhe em tempo real as principais notícias do esporte

Enquanto isso, o Internacional não possui vida resolvida na competição, mas quer vencer para afastar de vez qualquer flerte com a parte inferior da classificação.

FICHA TÉCNICA
CRUZEIRO X INTERNACIONAL
32ª RODADA – CAMPEONATO BRASILEIRO

Data e Horário: 05/11/2023, às 16h (de Brasília)
Local: Mineirão, em Belo Horizonte (MG)
Árbitro: Matheus Delgado Candançan
Assistentes: Bruno Raphael Pires e Daniel Paulo Ziolli
VAR: Rodolpho Toski Marques
Onde Assistir: Globo, Premiere e tempo real do Lance!

CRUZEIRO

Rafael Cabral; William, Luciano Castán, Neris e Marlon; Matheus Jussa, Filipe Machado e Lucas Silva; Matheus Pereira, Arthur Gomes e Bruno Rodrigues. Técnico: Zé Ricardo.

INTERNACIONAL

Rochet; Bustos, Vitão, Mercado e Dalbert; Mauricio, Aránguiz, Johnny e Wanderson; Alan Patrick e Valencia. Técnico: Eduardo Coudet.

Newcastle United suffered a surprise defeat against West Ham United at St. James’ Park on Monday evening, and thus the gravity of this weekend’s Premier League contest against Crystal Palace is heightened.

Eddie Howe’s side have shown flashes of brilliance this season but are stuck in a stream of inconsistency that is hindering the quest for European football.

Palace have failed to kick on this season after displaying such remarkable progress under Oliver Glasner last year, but they remain a threat and Selhurst Park is a ground known to swallow teams up.

It won’t be easy, but with Alexander Isak back in red-hot form, the Magpies have a weapon that could silence the south Londoners.

Alexander Isak could be Palace's undoing

Newcastle signed Real Sociedad’s talented striker in a club-record £63m package in 2022, and while he suffered an injury-affected debut campaign, Isak has posted 40 goals and seven assists across 79 appearances for the English club.

Since the start of last season, the Sweden international has scored 25 goals across 40 Premier League outings, missing only 27 big chances throughout.

Aged 25, Isak has plenty of football still ahead of him, perhaps his brightest, most awe-inspiring days are still to come. With four goals from five recent matches under Howe’s wing, he’s found his feet after a slow start and will be the chief supplier of success, should it arrive, on Saturday.

However, Newcastle aren’t quite purring this term, lacking some of that bite from previous years. Isak can’t do it alone, and with Anthony Gordon failing to produce his best football at the moment, Howe must unleash Harvey Barnes from the outset.

He could be the perfect weapon against the Eagles backline, containing, of course, Marc Guehi.

Why Harvey Barnes must start at Selhurst Park

In August, Newcastle threw the kitchen sink at Steve Parish, whose transfer resolve – or perhaps obstinance – remained moveless. Four bids were lodged for Guehi, but the England centre-half was prevented from moving to Tyneside.

Neither outfit have enjoyed the campaign that they had hoped for so far, but Guehi has still been a titanic presence in Glasner’s backline, winning 63% of his duels and averaging a whopping 5.8 clearances per game, as per Sofascore.

He’ll be tasked with subduing Isak, and that’s why Barnes needs to start, providing the visitors with a varying attacking outlet to ensure that three points are claimed.

Creativity isn’t flowing as Howe would have hoped, with the 15 big chances created in the Premier League this season ranking Newcastle in joint-15th for that metric.

As such, a player of Barnes’ clinical quality could be crucial. As per FBref, the English winger ranks among the top 1% of positional peers across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for non-penalty goals scored (0.62) per 90, highlighting the goalscoring edge that Newcastle so desperately need.

2024/25

Newcastle

12 (5)

4

1

0.42

2023/24

Newcastle

21 (7)

5

3

0.38

2022/23

Leicester

34 (32)

13

1

0.41

2021/22

Leicester

32 (24)

6

10

0.50

2020/21

Leicester

25 (22)

9

4

0.52

Such potency, four goals from only five Premier League starts in 2024/25, could see the Eagles downed and the Magpies take flight.

Guehi’s gritty, no-nonsense defending makes him a tough adversary for any forward worth their salt, but Barnes is a “menace” – as he has been praised by journalist Mikey Stafford – and could prove too much for his countryman, whose mind will be focused on Isak and his ball-striking prowess.

Isak can’t do it all himself, and while he had an off day against the Hammers last time out, he was let down by the profligacy and stuttered attacking labours of his teammates.

Barnes needs to play from the outset and be allowed to develop his relationship with the lively Lewis Hall down the left lane.

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ByAngus Sinclair Nov 29, 2024

Chelsea made it four out of four in the UEFA Conference League, beating Heidenheim 2-0 away from home, with goals coming from Christopher Nkunku and Mykhailo Mudryk on Thursday evening.

The Blues held 67% possession against the German outfit, taking 17 shots, creating five“big chances and generating 2.90 xG.

Unfortunately, the performance ended with Cesare Casadei being sent off, receiving a second yellow card, which means he will not be available to face Astana in their next Conference League game.

It was a game full of good performances though, and one of the best came from the goalkeeper, Filip Jorgensen, who is now breathing down Robert Sanchez’s neck for the number one spot.

Filip Jorgensen's performance in numbers

So far this season, Jorgensen has found himself as the back-up to Sanchez, with the youngster playing in cup competitions, whilst the latter starts in the Premier League. However, after the Swede’s performance against Heidenheim, Maresca could have a decision on his hands.

The 22-year-old was impeccable, making as many as 11 saves in the game. That meant he prevented a total of 2.18 xG while making seven saves inside the box, and completing 37/44 accurate passes (84% completion).

It’s safe to say that both his shot-stopping and composure on the ball were brilliant, the latter being a big deal for his Italian manager.

And Jorgensen isn’t the only one knocking on the door for a Premier League start, as another Chelsea man put in a brilliant display returning from injury, stating his case to start against Aston Villa this weekend.

Performance in Numbers

Want data and stats? Football FanCast's Performance in Numbers series provides you with the latest match analysis from across Europe.

Jadon Sancho's performance in numbers

Jadon Sancho put in a brilliant display against the German club, where he had so much success with Borussia Dortmund in the past. The 24-year-old winger received a 9/10 match rating from The Express, playing a big part in both goals in Chelsea’s 2-0 victory.

Minutes

89

Assists

1

Touches

61

Accurate Passes

44/48

Key Passes

2

Long Balls

1/1

Successful Dribbles

3/6

Ground Duels Won

4/7

Tackles

1

But it wasn’t just his assist and part in both goals, Sancho also made two key passes, kept things simple at times to circulate play, making 44/48 accurate passes (94% completion).

He completed 50% of his dribble attempts, and also worked hard on the defensive end to make one tackle and win four ground duels.

Maresca has been playing with Noni Madueke and Pedro Neto on the wings in recent weeks, with João Félix the player who came in at the weekend in the absence of Neto, but after Sancho’s performance, he could be knocking on the door for a place in the starting XI against Aston Villa, on either the left or right wing.

The Italian boss has proven he isn’t afraid to make big decisions, and if tonight’s performance is anything to go by, both Jorgensen and Sancho could be called upon this weekend in an important Premier League fixture against the Villans.

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Diego Simeone admitted Atletico Madrid were “beaten by a better team” after a brutal 13-minute spell saw Arsenal score four times in a dominant 4-0 Champions League win. The Argentine boss praised his side’s early effort but fumed at costly errors, set-piece lapses and a lack of composure as every Arsenal chance “ended in a goal”.

• Arsenal ruthless as Atletico collapse under pressure

  Arsenal delivered one of their most clinical European displays of the season, brushing aside Atletico 4-0 at the Emirates Stadium. Goals from Gabriel Magalhaes, Gabriel Martinelli and a Viktor Gyokeres brace inside 13 chaotic minutes left the visitors stunned and unable to respond. Simeone’s side held firm until the 57th minute, but once the first goal went in, Atletico’s structure crumbled.

  The Gunners’ dominance came particularly from dead-ball situations. Three of their four goals came from set-pieces, with Declan Rice delivering pinpoint crosses that repeatedly breached Los Rojiblancos' defence. Martinelli’s composed finish and Gyokeres’ poacher’s brace capped off a statement performance that has firmly established Arsenal as serious contenders in Europe this season.

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• AFP
  

  Simeone reacts to brutal defeat to Arsenal

  The Argentine praised his team’s initial effort but didn’t shy away from criticising their mistakes and lack of focus in key moments.

  "First, the positive: we competed very well until the first goal," Simeone said. "After that, we could have defended better. They do it very well, they score a lot of goals. Set pieces are so important in football, especially in these competitions, where every detail helps you take control of the match.

  He added: "We could have made a mistake in the 2-0, but we didn't. It's not bad luck, it's just mistakes. From then on, they were decisive, better, and in 20 minutes, every chance they had was a goal."

• Mistakes, missed chances and learning the hard way

  Before Arsenal's opener, Atletico did have their moments. Julian Alvarez came close to scoring in the first half after David Raya wandered out of position and lost the ball, but the Argentine’s shot curled just wide. Eberechi Eze also struck the crossbar early on, highlighting that Atleti could have taken the lead before their collapse.

  Simeone acknowledged that fine margins defined the match, admitting Atletico failed to capitalise on their chances while the Gunners punished every error: "Julian's shot in the first half, the one that hit the crossbar, are long gone… The team competed well, but this lesson is what the match left us with. The decisiveness and the details in the passages of play are decisive. This time against us.

  “They were superior and very decisive in that stretch of the game. After the set-piece goal, they began to take advantage of it. They pushed us, they pushed us to give our all until the first goal, and I have nothing to say to the team. They tried, they ran, and were beaten by a better team.”

  This defeat leaves Los Colchoneros 18th in the Champions League standings. With just five matches left, they currently sit outside the automatic knockout qualification zone and would only qualify for the play-off round if they finish in this position.

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• AFP
  

  What next for Atletico?

  Atleti have little time to dwell on the defeat. They next welcome Union Saint-Gilloise to Madrid on November 4, in what is already shaping into a must-win match. Before that, they face Real Betis and Sevilla in La Liga, a crucial fixtures as they look to rebuild confidence.

  Atletico have reached two Champions League finals under Simeone, in 2014 and 2016, but their current campaign is at risk of unravelling early if they fail to respond quickly. Defensive lapses, and lack of efficiency in the final third remain concerns the coaching staff must address.

  For Arsenal, it’s the complete opposite story. They’ve won all three of their Champions League games, sit joint-top of the league phase alongside Paris Saint-Germain and Inter, and are also three points clear at the top of the Premier League. Arteta’s side are sending a clear message to Europe’s elite they’re back, and ready to challenge on every front.

Mary Earps has revealed she is in a same-sex relationship. The 32-year-old, who retired from international football earlier this year, was key as England secured Euros glory in 2022. Earps, who now plays for French side PSG having left Manchester United in 2024, revealed all in a statement to the BBC on Friday so that the revelation was shared on her own terms.

Getty Images EntertainmentEarps hoping to inspire others

Earps has chosen to disclose details to the BBC ahead of the publication of her memoir, of which an extract can be read on The Guardian. The goalkeeper felt it better to share details of her sexuality so it doesn't distract from other themes in the book, which includes her struggles with mental health.

Her manager, Tina Taylor, said Earps hopes that by being open about her life will inspire others to have the 'confidence to live authentically'. "After the World Cup, the outpouring of love and support really showed Mary the impact she's had, and she was deeply touched by it," Taylor said.

"By sharing details of her life away from football – something she's never done before – Mary is telling her story in her own way. It's honest and authentic."

Advertisement'I'm in a really happy relationship'

In a statement to the BBC, Earps said: "I've always tried to keep my personal life separate from my professional one, but it would have felt inauthentic not to include something so important to me in this book.

"I'm in a really happy relationship. The people closest to me have always known, and I feel ready and happy to share that with everyone else now."

In May 2024, she was handed an MBE by Prince William and spoke of the importance of being a "trailblazer" and a role model.

"I'm a very ambitious person, a very hard-working person, and I think to try and push boundaries and try and be a pioneer for change, in many ways, is something that I really enjoy doing, and hopefully I can do for the rest of my career," Earps said in an interview in August 2024.

"As Lionesses, one of the things that really sets us apart from other teams is how strong we are in our values and what we stand for."

Getty Images Sport'Bad behaviour is being rewarded'

In her autobiography 'All In', which is being serialised by The Guardian, Earps speaks candidly about Hannah Hampton and that "bad behaviour is being rewarded" when the rival goalkeeper was restored to the England squad for Euro 2022.

Earps says Hampton's "behaviour behind the scenes had frequently risked derailing training sessions and team resources" as England went the distance on home turf three years ago.

Earps played every game of Euro 2022 and the 2023 World Cup, while Hampton was a member of the England squad for both tournaments but dropped briefly following the tournament in England.

In an interview with The Guardian to accompany the serialisation, Earps said: "I think we had different ideas of what being a teammate should be. I think there was a mismatch, a misalignment, of values."

And when asked to elaborate on what the disruptive behaviour was, Earps replied: "I don’t want to go into the specifics because it’s not my place … She is a very good goalkeeper and I’ve tried to draw a line under all that. I have messaged her privately to say: ‘Look, no bad blood.’"

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'It was harder to find that fight in me'

Hampton revealed earlier this year that a story about the reasoning why she was dropped from 2022 almost saw her quit football. "It was harder to find that fight in me to prove people wrong, but somehow I managed it," Hampton told in June.

"I had all my friends and my family around me at the time to guide me in the right direction
and keep me going. It’s worked out for
the best – I’ve got a lot to thank them for."

In April this year, England head coach Sarina Wiegman confirmed that Hampton was her first choice goalkeeper, which saw Earps dramatically retire from international football shortly before Euro 2025 in Switzerland.

England would go on to win the competition, beating Spain in the final 3-1 on penalties.

Liverpool’s Premier League opener against Bournemouth looms large, and for a club that typically shows plenty of restraint in the transfer market, it’s curious to see so many fresh faces.

And there are more yet to come.

After winning the Premier League with relative ease last season, Arne Slot has strengthened his attack with fast-rising striker Hugo Ekitike and a new playmaker in Florian Wirtz, who is considered one of the most exciting talents in world football.

Trent Alexander-Arnold has left for Real Madrid, the 31-year-old Andy Robertson has lost a yard and Kostas Tsimikas is edging toward an Anfield exit, so adding Milos Kerkez and Jeremie Frimpong to the defensive flanks has perhaps reinforced the widths for years to come.

Led by Richard Hughes, this summer’s approach feels very different, but it’s unlikely to be the new normal. Undergoing a period of transformation, the Merseysiders are laying the foundations for a new era, and there are still several stunning deals which may be completed.

Liverpool planning for more signings

The interminable pursuit of Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak continues. Liverpool desperately want the striker; the Magpies desperately don’t want him to leave. Isak, for what it’s worth, is perhaps the most desperate of them all, so intent on joining Slot’s squad this summer.

It all hinges on Newcastle signing replacements, which will need to be found in the aggregate, rather than just one new goalscorer.

Liverpool have already seen an initial £110m offer rejected by Eddie Howe’s side, but with the Sweden international refusing to reintegrate into the Tyneside squad, it’s clear that Liverpool stand more than a swinging chance of getting it done before the end of the month.

Elsewhere, talks continue for Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi, who would be the perfect man to complete Virgil van Dijk’s backline.

However, there are plenty of variables at play with that one, with conflicting reports leaving the jury out.

Though Liverpool want the England defender, the urgency has been tempered somewhat by the completion of another deal for a rising talent destined for the top.

Key target travelling to Merseyside

As confirmed by Sky Sports, Liverpool have agreed a deal with Serie A side Parma for the transfer of centre-back Giovanni Leoni, who is slated to arrive for an initial £26m fee.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

And Fabrizio Romano has since informed the masses that the 18-year-old is on his way to Merseyside for a medical, with the player and his agent set to be in Liverpool today.

Despite competition from the Premier League and various Italian clubs, Liverpool have succeeded in winning the battle for the sought-after defender, who has made the brave decision to leave his homeland while still in the fledgling stage of his career.

Why Liverpool are signing Giovanni Leoni

Such a prodigious defensive talent eases the woes from the failed bid to sign Dean Huijsen from Bournemouth in May, the 20-year-old instead signing for Real Madrid.

It also provides Slot with his own version of Alexander-Arnold, who also emerged onto the scene as a youngster, so clearly cut from expensive cloth when Jurgen Klopp watched him curl a free-kick over the wall and into the back of Hoffenheim’s net in 2017, thus starting a remarkable journey to the apex of the game.

Though Trent’s decision to leave Liverpool for Los Blancos at the end of his contract last season left a bitter taste in fans’ mouths, there’s no denying the 25-year-old is one of the greatest Redmen in modern history, having played 354 matches for his boyhood club, scoring 23 goals, providing 94 assists and winning the whole gamut.

In any case, he will be missed, for his playmaking abilities stretch beyond what is expected or even conceivable for defenders to have within their locker.

Liverpool’s staggering summer spending has eased his departure, that and winning last year’s Premier League title, but in Leoni, Slot could land his answer to the all-inspiring right-back, landing a talented defender with hype around his name at such an early stage.

Leoni, despite only breaking into Parma’s first team last season, has earned a reputation for his strong protective ability and his expansive technical game.

Talent scout Jacek Kulig has already declared him to be “one of the most complete teenage centre-backs in Europe”, and having started 14 Serie A games last season, all of which came from November and beyond, he’s clearly established himself as a reliable option in Italy.

Indeed, he completed 89% of his passes and won 63% of his aerial battles in the Italian top-flight last year, emphasising a precocious understanding and reading of the game.

Moreover, the 6 foot 5 sensation has an aggressiveness and progressiveness to his game, which allows him to step beyond what is required for someone of his position.

In this way, he could actually serve as the symbolic successor to Alexander-Arnold’s position at Liverpool, joining the manager’s Slot in its infancy. If a bit more substance is needed, Leoni also played three matches as a makeshift right-back last season, further underlining his athleticism and capacity to succeed.

While Liverpool still hope to sign Guehi before the end of the month, it’s clear that Leoni has what it takes to become a superstar of a defender, and he might just reach the heights and the success on Merseyside to establish himself as Slot’s answer to Alexander-Arnold.

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Liverpool have been dealt a blow in their preparations for this week's Champions League clash with Eintracht Frankfurt, after the aircraft taking them to Germany was hit with a "technical issue", meaning that Arne Slot will not be able to conduct a press conference before the encounter in midweek. The Reds are aiming to break a streak of four successive defeats after their weekend loss to Manchester United at Anfield.

Travel disruption for Liverpool

Liverpool face Frankfurt on Wednesday and were set to fly to the German city on Tuesday, with head coach Slot to address the media in the early evening. However, due to "technical issues" with the aircraft, the flight was delayed, and the meeting between the manager and the media has been postponed. It will also likely affect the club's pre-match plans, although the club did train at their AXA base on Tuesday morning.

A statement from the Reds read: "Our pre-match press conference for the clash with Eintracht Frankfurt has been cancelled. A delay in the squad's scheduled flight out to Frankfurt, due to technical issues with the aircraft, means the briefing will now not be able to take place."

Advertisement(C)Getty ImagesReds in desperate need of a result

While the Reds did win their opening Champions League game, a 3-2 victory over Atletico Madrid, they were beaten by Galatasaray in their most recent European outing. They have also lost three Premier League games in a row, going down to Crystal Palace, Chelsea, and, most gallingly of all, United at Anfield. Slot has accepted that there is pressure on him, and pundit, and Liverpool legend, Jamie Carragher has urged the Dutchman to drop Mohamed Salah ahead of the encounter.

He said: "I don't think Salah should be like a Virgil van Dijk where it's like 'first name on the teamsheet'. Liverpool have got two away games – in the Champions League at Frankfurt and then they go to Brentford. I don't think Salah should start both of those games.

"He should always start at Anfield because Liverpool will be on top, around the edge of the box and more often than not he scores in those situations today. But I do think in the away games and helping your full-back, I don't think Salah should be starting every game right now, certainly away from home, with the form he's in."

He added: "Would he be OK with that? Probably not. But when you get to a certain age you have to understand that, especially when you're not playing well, where's your argument?

"It's different if you're banging in the goals and your manager makes a tactical decision and you're frustrated. I don't think Mo Salah's in any position to complain if he was left out of one of the next two away games."

Frankfurt in middling form

Frankfurt have also endured a difficult start to the season in Germany, winning three, losing three, and drawing one of their opening seven games. Their last European outing resulted in a thrashing, as they were beaten 5-1 by Atletico Madrid in Spain. They also recently lost 3-0 to Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga, meaning they are in dire need of a result, much like their opposition. 

Liverpool have already been dealt a serious headache, with Ryan Gravenberch missing training before the midweek clash; it is unclear if the Dutchman will be able to slot into midfield once again for the Reds against their German opposition. 

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Getty Images SportWhat now for Liverpool?

Liverpool have not lost five games in succession since the 1950s, and have not endured a run of four successive defeats since Brendan Rodgers was manager. 

Slot has already spoken of the fact that he felt the Reds were hard done by against United, but he will be well aware of the need for three points on Wednesday. 

He siad: "The result (is what went wrong). And the fact that we went 1-0 down so early. If you play United, with so many quality players they have – [and] brought in a few new ones this summer – and if they come to us in a low block, playing so many long balls, then the last thing you would want is going 1-0 down. Because that gives them even more belief. If you would have told me we are 1-0 down against a United team that played in the style they did, and you would have told me that we would create eight, nine, 10 open chances, then I would have said to you that I don't think that is possible. But it was possible.

"So, the second thing that went wrong is that from all the chances we got, we only scored one goal. I have said it in Holland many times and maybe I've said it here as well, it's almost impossible to win a big game of football – and Liverpool v United is a big game with so many quality players on the pitch – to win it with a negative set-piece balance. We conceded another one and that led to us losing the game."