Liverpool have completed the signing of 18-year-old centre-back Giovanni Leoni from Parma for £26m plus add-ons. The Italy Under-19 star has penned a long-term deal until 2031.
Leoni, who began his career at Padova before brief spells at Sampdoria and Parma, enjoyed a breakout season in Serie A last year, making 17 appearances. His performances caught the eye of both AC Milan and Inter, but he chose Liverpool, saying it was “impossible to say no” to one of the world’s biggest clubs.
“It was easy — because it’s one of the best clubs in the world,” Leoni told Liverpool’s website.
The transfer is subject to international clearance and a work permit.
Why Liverpool Signed Him
Leoni’s rise has been rapid — from playing in Italy’s third tier at 16 to joining the Premier League champions just two years later. Standing at 6ft 5in (1.96m), he was among Serie A’s top 10% for aerial duels won last season.
Liverpool have been searching for defensive reinforcements since selling Jarell Quansah to Bayer Leverkusen. While Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi remains a target, Leoni offers both immediate cover and long-term potential in a position where the Reds are short.
With Virgil van Dijk now 34 and Ibrahima Konaté as the only other fit senior centre-back at the Community Shield, adding a young, physically dominant, and composed defender was a priority.
At Parma, Leoni played in the middle or right of a back three. Despite limited top-flight experience — just 14 Serie A starts — his composure on the ball and ability in the air mark him out as one of Europe’s most promising young defenders.
While he may have to wait for regular minutes, learning alongside Van Dijk, his footballing idol, is seen as a huge opportunity for his development.
