Liverpool have confirmed the signing of highly-rated Italian defender Giovanni Leoni from Parma, taking the club’s summer spending beyond £300 million.
The 18-year-old centre-back has signed a six-year deal at Anfield in a transfer worth an initial £26m plus add-ons. He will join Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konaté and Joe Gomez in Arne Slot’s defensive options for the new season.
Leoni impressed in Serie A last term with 17 appearances for Parma and has already broken into Italy’s U19 side. His move is still subject to international clearance and a work permit, but he is expected to be available for Friday’s Premier League opener against Bournemouth.
The teenager has long admired Liverpool captain Van Dijk, and after making his debut for Padova in 2023, he described the Dutchman as an inspiration.
Speaking to Liverpool’s official website after completing his move, Leoni said:
“Because it’s one of the best clubs in the world, it’s not possible to say no to this club. I’m very happy to be here. It’s a really great sensation and I’m honoured to be here. When I saw Liverpool were interested, I said, ‘Wow, this is crazy.’”
Leoni arrives to strengthen a position where Slot has been short of options during pre-season, with just two fit centre-backs available following the sale of Jarell Quansah to Bayer Leverkusen.
Liverpool have now brought in eight players this summer, but have also raised close to £200m through player sales, including Luis Díaz, Darwin Núñez, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Quansah, Caoimhin Kelleher, Tyler Morton and Nat Phillips.
The Reds remain interested in Crystal Palace defender Marc Guéhi, although talks over a fee have slowed.
