Liverpool Secures Defense Reinforcement with Acquisition of Leoni from Parma (Italy)
Liverpool Football Club has strengthened its defensive line with the signing of 18-year-old Italian center back Giovanni Leoni from Parma. The Reds paid around £26 million to £30 million ($30 million to $40.7 million) for the highly-rated youngster, according to various reports.
Leoni, who stands at six feet four inches tall, has put pen to paper on a six-year contract with the Merseyside giants and is expected to join the first team squad immediately. The Italy Under-19 international will be competing with Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konate, and Joe Gomez for a spot in Liverpool's centre back position.
Leoni's impressive performances for Parma last season caught the eye of Liverpool manager Arne Slot, who has made the latest addition to the squad. The young defender finished the 2022-2023 Serie A season with Parma in the 16th position, making 17 appearances.
The deal to sign Leoni, who joined Parma last August, is reported to be worth 26 million pounds ($35.24 million) plus add-ons. This brings Liverpool's total spending in the close season to over 300 million pounds, with the Reds also signing Florian Wirtz, Hugo Ekitike, Jeremie Frimpong, and Milos Kerkez.
Leoni's journey in Italian football began at Padova in the second-tier, before he moved to Sampdoria in 2024. The young center back expressed his delight at joining Liverpool, calling it one of the best clubs in the world.
Liverpool's upcoming Premier League season opener is against Bournemouth at Anfield, scheduled for later on Friday. The Reds will be hoping that Leoni can help them secure another successful campaign after finishing in the top four last season.
Leoni's transfer from Parma to Liverpool marks a significant move for the young defender, as he aims to compete in the European-leagues, particularly the Premier-League. However, he faces stiff competition from the likes of Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konate, and Joe Gomez for a spot in Liverpool's centre back position.
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