Liverpool have pulled off another statement signing in their relentless summer rebuild, securing the services of Parma’s teenage defensive prodigy Giovanni Leoni in a deal worth an initial £26 million ($35 million).
The 18-year-old Italy Under-19 international, regarded as one of Europe’s most promising centre-backs, has penned a six-year deal with the Premier League champions. The move is subject to international clearance and a work permit, but Leoni is already on Merseyside — set to be in the stands at Anfield for Liverpool’s Premier League curtain-raiser against Bournemouth on Friday night.
Leoni is expected to walk straight into Arne Slot’s first-team plans, filling the gap left by Jarell Quansah’s summer switch to Bayer Leverkusen. Speaking with infectious excitement about the move, the teenager couldn’t hide his emotions:
> “Because it’s one of the best clubs in the world, it’s not possible to say no to Liverpool. I’m very happy to be here — it’s an incredible feeling. When I saw their interest, I thought, ‘Wow, this is crazy.’”
Leoni’s arrival marks a dream scenario for the young defender, who has long cited Virgil van Dijk as his inspiration. Just a year ago, after making his debut for Padova, he spoke of studying the Dutchman’s game — now he will share a dressing room with him.
The towering Ibrahima Konate remains Van Dijk’s established partner at the heart of defence, meaning Leoni will compete alongside the injury-prone Joe Gomez for a key understudy role, with every chance to push for first-team minutes as the season unfolds.
This signing is part of a staggering £270 million summer outlay under Slot’s watch, with previous arrivals including Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong, Milos Kerkez, and Hugo Ekitike. Liverpool even tested Newcastle’s resolve with a £110 million bid for Alexander Isak, which was rebuffed.
Meanwhile, the Reds continue to keep tabs on Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi, though negotiations have hit a snag with the England defender entering the final year of his contract.
For now, the spotlight belongs to Giovanni Leoni — a teenage sensation stepping onto football’s biggest stage, ready to learn from the very best and write his own chapter in Liverpool’s storied history.
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