Liverpool have completed the signing of 18-year-old Parma defender Giovanni Leoni on a six-year contract, taking the club’s summer spending beyond the £300 million ($406m) threshold. Sources indicate the initial transfer fee is £26 million ($35m), with additional performance-based payments.
The highly-regarded Italy U19 international arrives to bolster Arne Slot’s defensive options following the recent transfer of Jarell Quansah to Bayer Leverkusen, which left the manager with only two fit centre-backs during pre-season. Leoni, who made 17 Serie A appearances for Parma last season, will join Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konaté, and Joe Gomez in the first-team squad.
Speaking to the club’s official website, Leoni expressed his delight, stating, “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 and honoured to be here.” The young defender, who has previously cited Van Dijk as an inspiration, will now have the opportunity to learn directly from the Liverpool captain.
Subject to receiving a work permit and international clearance, Leoni is expected to be available for Friday’s Premier League opener against Bournemouth. He will compete for a starting position alongside Joe Gomez, who has recently returned from injury, to partner the established Ibrahima Konaté in central defence.
Leoni’s arrival comes as Liverpool’s interest in Crystal Palace defender Marc Guéhi has reportedly stalled over his transfer fee, despite Guéhi being in the final year of his contract. While the club’s spending has been significant, it has been offset by recouping nearly £200 million ($271m) from the sales of several players, including Luis Díaz, Darwin Núñez, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Jarell Quansah.
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