Giovanni Leoni Chooses Liverpool Over Premier League Rivals
Liverpool are on the verge of completing the signing of Italy U19 international Giovanni Leoni from Parma in a deal worth around £26 million. The 18-year-old centre-back, who made 17 appearances — including 14 starts — in his debut Serie A season, is set to sign a contract until June 2031.
Manager Arne Slot confirmed that an agreement with Parma is in place, though he declined to reveal further details until the paperwork is finalised. The move comes as part of Liverpool’s defensive rebuild following Jarell Quansah’s £35 million departure to Bayer Leverkusen last month.
According to The Times, Leoni turned down approaches from Manchester United and Newcastle United, as well as interest from Inter Milan and AC Milan, to join the Reds. He will link up with Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konate, and Joe Gomez in the heart of Liverpool’s defence.
Italian coaching legend Arrigo Sacchi has tipped Leoni for a bright future, writing in Gazzetta dello Sport:
“I’m convinced he’ll be the linchpin of the Azzurri defence for a long time. Some say 17 Serie A games are too few — I disagree. He’s already shown the qualities needed to go far. Talent knows no age.”
The official announcement is expected later this week, with Leoni poised to be unveiled as Liverpool’s latest long-term investment.
