Liverpool complete transfer of Italy U19 star Giovanni Leoni from Parma as Arne Slot adds to squad again with new defender - 'Wow, this is crazy'
Updated 15/08/2025 at 20:21 GMT+1
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Liverpool have completed the signing of Italy U19 international Giovanni Leoni from Parma. The Reds have been looking to bolster their defence since last month's departure of Jarell Quansah to Bayer Leverkusen. Leoni made 17 appearances, including 14 starts for Parma in Serie A last term. The Reds are also said to be interested in Crystal Palace's Marc Guehi and Newcastle United's Alexander Isak.
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Liverpool have completed the signing of defender Giovanni Leoni from Parma.
The Italy under-19 international has become Liverpool's eighth summer signing.
The Merseysiders have seen off competition from a number of clubs in Italy and England in completing the deal, notably UEFA Champions League finalists Inter.
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Liverpool are understood to have paid an initial £26 million to sign the 18-year-old.
Leoni played 17 times for Parma last season, including 14 starts, as the club finished in 16th place.
It was reported that Leoni left Italy by private jet on Thursday morning and headed to Liverpool for his medical.
Now the deal is done, and Leoni told the club's official website: "It's not possible to say no to this club. Because it's one of the best clubs in the world.
"I’m very happy to be here. It’s a really great sensation and I’m honoured to be here.
"I was very happy [about Liverpool being interested]. When I saw this I said, ‘Wow, this is crazy.’ I’m very happy."
Liverpool are clearly looking to the future, with an eye on a long-term successor to captain Virgil van Dijk.
The club is also reportedly keen on signing Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi, who has just a year remaining on his contract.
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It has already been a stellar summer in the transfer market for the club as they aim to build on the success of last season.
Arne Slot's team won the Premier League last term, a record-equalling 20th title success for the club.
Slot was only in his first season in the job, having replaced Jurgen Klopp following the German's memorable nine years in charge.
The 2025/26 Premier League season gets underway on Friday night with champions Liverpool taking on Bournemouth at Anfield.
Stream the Premier League, Serie A, Men’s and Women’s FA Cup, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Conference League and more on TNT Sports and discovery+
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