Giovanni Leoni is expected to be in attendance at Anfield for Liverpool’s Premier League opener against Bournemouth on Friday.
Liverpool have secured the signing of 18-year-old defender Giovanni Leoni from Parma for a reported fee of £26 million, plus potential add-ons.
Leoni, for whom Reds manager Arne Slot confirmed an agreement earlier in the week, has reportedly signed a contract extending to 2031.
The Italy Under-19 international, a centre-back, began his career with Padova and also spent time at Sampdoria before his move to Parma last summer.
In his debut Serie A campaign, Leoni made 17 appearances, attracting interest from both Milan clubs before ultimately opting for a transfer abroad.
He stated that joining Liverpool was an opportunity he “could not refuse.”
“Because it’s one of the best clubs in the world. It’s not possible to say no to this club,” he told the club’s website.
“[It was] easy – because it’s one of the best clubs in the world. I didn’t say no.”
Leoni’s transfer is contingent upon the successful acquisition of international clearance and a work permit.
Having made his senior debut in 2023 with Padova in the Italian third tier at the age of 16, Giovanni Leoni has now, just two years later, joined the Premier League contenders.
Liverpool have been seeking reinforcements in central defense following the departure of Jarell Quansah to Bayer Leverkusen last month. While Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi reportedly remains a key target, Leoni would provide additional cover in a position where the Reds currently have limited options.
Notably, captain Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate were the only fit senior centre-backs available for the Community Shield.
With Van Dijk now 34, Liverpool are planning for the future. Eighteen-year-old Leoni fits that profile, while also appearing ready to contribute now, despite having only established himself in Parma’s starting eleven in the latter half of last season.
With only 14 top-flight starts to his name, he has less experience than fellow highly-regarded teenage centre-backs such as Pau Cubarsi at Barcelona, Mamadou Sarr at Strasbourg, or Real Madrid’s Dean Huijsen, but his statistics are noteworthy.
Standing at 6ft 5in (1.96m), he excels in aerial duels, ranking in the top 10% for aerial duels won in Serie A last season.
At Parma, Leoni featured in the centre of a back three, or as the right-sided centre-back. In addition to his aerial prowess, he is also composed in possession, particularly considering his limited experience.
He will likely need to be patient for opportunities. However, the chance to develop his game with the Premier League contenders and learn from Van Dijk, whom he has previously cited as an inspiration, appears to have been a key factor in securing the move.
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