Liverpool are pushing for a strong finish to the season as they chase Champions League qualification, and Arne Slot is making moves behind the scenes to secure the best possible outcome. The Reds have added a new face to their first-team squad with a month of the campaign still to play, a decision that could help them solidify a top-five spot and secure a return to Europe's elite competition.
Ndiaye Joins Liverpool First Team
Fans were puzzled when Liverpool announced their sole winter signing in January, but they may soon become intimately familiar with the name Mor Talla Ndiaye. The 18-year-old centre-back, who joined from Senegalese side Amitie for approximately £1 million, is the only new arrival at Anfield in 2026. Initially sidelined by an injury discovered during his medical, Ndiaye is now making progress on Merseyside.
He moved closer to a first-team debut after joining Slot's senior training group for the first time this week. Ndiaye trained with the first team ahead of Saturday's clash with Crystal Palace and was considered for a spot on the bench at Anfield. The club has high hopes for the budget signing, who converted from midfield to defence at Amitie. Liverpool are laying groundwork to prepare for the eventual departure of club legend Virgil van Dijk, whose contract expires in 2027.
The Reds also spent significantly more to secure Rennes defender Jeremy Jacquet for £55 million ahead of this summer. However, fans may soon see Ndiaye as he integrates into the group, having already earned his first minutes for Liverpool's under-21s last month.
Slot Hails 'Beast' Leoni's Transformation
Speaking of young central defenders, Slot has praised Giovanni Leoni for his remarkable transformation. The 19-year-old, who joined from Parma last summer, has been out of action since tearing his ACL in September and has made only one appearance for the Reds so far. However, he has used his time on the sidelines productively.
Slot mentioned Leoni while discussing Hugo Ekitike's recent season-ending injury, expressing enthusiasm about the youngster's progress. At a press conference ahead of hosting Crystal Palace, Slot said: "He [Ekitike] will be back stronger, as well as the others who have been injured for such a long time. If you look at Giovanni Leoni, I don’t know if you once in a while see some Instagram posts of the club, but this guy has become a beast!"
Leoni is now stepping up his recovery and is projected to return to action towards the end of 2026. As such, he is not expected to contribute further to what has been a challenging first season in England. Nevertheless, fans can look forward to his return next term, especially if concerns about his physical readiness for the Premier League have been addressed by his improved physique.
