Liverpool ‘Agree Deal’ to Sign 18-Year-Old Italian Defender Giovanni Leoni
Liverpool have reportedly agreed a deal to sign 18-year-old centre-back Giovanni Leoni from Parma, with a transfer fee of £26 million ($35 million) for the highly-rated Italian, who has made just 17 Serie A appearances.
Manager Arne Slot confirmed the agreement on Thursday, adding that Leoni has not yet officially signed. “The clubs have agreed a deal, but he hasn’t signed for us yet. The moment he does, I can provide more details,” Slot said ahead of Liverpool’s Premier League opener against Bournemouth on Friday.
Leoni arrives amid a busy summer for Liverpool, who have already invested £260 million in signings including Florian Wirtz, Hugo Ekitike, Jeremie Frimpong, and Milos Kerkez to strengthen a squad coming off a record-equalling 20th English top-flight title.
The club’s centre-back options were limited after Jarell Quansah departed for Bayer Leverkusen, leaving Slot with just three senior options. Joe Gomez has missed much of pre-season due to injury, while Ibrahima Konate has only one year remaining on his contract, raising questions about his future.
Despite Leoni’s imminent arrival, Liverpool could still pursue further defensive reinforcements, with reports linking them to Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi.
Slot acknowledged the challenges of defending their Premier League crown: “The main reason it is so difficult is because there are so many competitors who can win the league. It’s unbelievable if you are able to do it in this league. This year will be even harder.”
The squad has also seen several departures, including Trent Alexander-Arnold, Luis Diaz, Darwin Nunez, and Caoimhin Kelleher, alongside the tragic loss of Diogo Jota in a car accident last month. Slot noted the adaptation required for the incoming players: “We have lost five to six players who played quite a lot of minutes last season, and brought in four, so it’s normal there is adaptation.”
Regarding Wirtz, whose transfer from Leverkusen could rise to a British record £116 million, Slot praised the German’s mindset: “When you see him play, he is so creative. He is mentally strong; he doesn’t get distracted by a transfer fee. Good players always find a way to play well in good teams. His adjustment to England has gone better than expected.”
