The Reds have already signed Florian Wirtz, Hugo Ekitike, Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez to build from a position of strength after romping to a record-equalling 20th English top-flight title last season.

However, the departure of Jarell Quansah to Bayer Leverkusen had left Slot with just three centre-backs to choose from.

Despite Leoni’s arrival, Liverpool could add more centre-back cover before the end of the transfer window with reports linking them with a move for Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi.

Recall that Liverpool have not won back-to-back league titles since 1984, and Slot expects it to be an even tougher challenge to defend their crown, given the turnover in his squad.

Trent Alexander-Arnold, Luis Diaz, Darwin Nunez and Caoimhin Kelleher have also departed, while the club is still coming to terms with the tragic loss of Diogo Jota, who died in a car crash last month.

The fee to bring Wirtz to England from Leverkusen could rise to a British transfer record £116 million.

Slot, though, believes the German international has the mentality to cope with the pressure of that price tag.