Liverpool Close €35m Deal For Parma’s Giovanni Leoni

Liverpool have signed Italian defender Giovanni Leoni from Parma for €35 million. The 18-year-old joins the team right away under manager Arne Slot, with no loan included.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Liverpool quickly agreed on a deal with Parma for Leoni, who played 17 times in Serie A last season. The club moved fast to sign the defender, beating several teams, including Inter Milan. The deal includes a sell-on clause, and Leoni agreed to a contract until 2031. Reports say he was eager to join Liverpool and needed no extra convincing. He joins the team as Liverpool prepares for their Premier League opener against Bournemouth, needing defensive cover after Jarell Quansah moved to Bayer Leverkusen and the team struggled defensively in the pre-season and in the Community Shield where they lost on penalties to Crystal palace.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Liverpool is coming off a strong Premier League season, finishing as champions, having secured the title ahead of Arsenal by ten points. Leoni’s arrival adds youthful defensive options alongside Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konaté, and Joe Gomez. The club recently welcomed Gomez back from injury, giving manager Arne Slot a deeper backline. Parma, who finished 16th in Serie A last season, lose a rising star who quickly became one of their top prospects. According to reports, Liverpool is also in talks for Crystal Palace’s Marc Guéhi, highlighting an ongoing effort to strengthen the defense.

WHAT IS NEXT?

Leoni is expected to train with his new teammates and will compete for a place in Liverpool’s squad as they start the new season. The Reds host Bournemouth, with Liverpool aiming to defend their league title. Bournemouth looks to improve on last season’s 9th-place finish. Liverpool enters the campaign as one of the title favourites, alongside Manchester City and Arsenal, eager for a strong start. Parma now focus on rebuilding defensively before their first match against Juventus, a key test as they target mid-table security.