August 14, (THEWILL) — Liverpool have completed the acquisition of 18-year-old centre-back Giovanni Leoni from Parma in a deal worth approximately £30 million.
The Italian defender will join Arne Slot’s squad immediately rather than being loaned out for additional development.
The deal includes a sell-on clause guaranteeing Parma a percentage of any future sale.
The young Italian has accumulated just 33 senior appearances across his career, with 17 coming in Serie A during Parma’s 2024/2025 campaign.
Leoni previously spent the 2023/2024 season on loan at Sampdoria in Serie B before the Genoese club activated their purchase option.
Sampdoria immediately sold the defender to Parma, who have now profited significantly from their brief ownership period.
Manager Arne Slot faces mounting pressure to strengthen his defensive options following Jarell Quansah’s departure and Ibrahima Konaté’s contract situation.
The French defender enters the final 12 months of his current deal, creating uncertainty about Liverpool’s central defensive partnerships. Virgil van Dijk’s contract expires in 2027, when the Dutch captain will approach his 36th birthday. Leoni’s arrival addresses both immediate depth concerns and future transition requirements.
Liverpool’s summer expenditure now exceeds £300 million following a series of acquisitions across multiple positions.
The club remains interested in Crystal Palace defender Marc Guéhi, with negotiations continuing for a deal potentially starting at £30 million. Completing both signings before the September 1 deadline would significantly strengthen Slot’s defensive options.
The towering teenager emerged through Padova’s youth system before his breakthrough season with Sampdoria.
Despite his limited experience, Liverpool’s coaching staff believes Leoni possesses the physical attributes and tactical awareness required for English Premier League football.
His immediate integration into the first-team squad shows the club’s confidence in his ability to contribute during the imminent campaign.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
