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The Independent
29 minutes ago
- The Independent
Liverpool sign teenage centre-back Giovanni Leoni from Parma as transfer fee confirmed
Liverpool have brought in Giovanni Leoni from Parma for £26m and see the teenage Italian as part of their succession planning for life after Virgil van Dijk. The 18-year-old centre-back has signed a six-year contract at Anfield and takes Arne Slot's summer spending past £300m. While Liverpool also opened talks with Crystal Palace over Marc Guehi this week and have not ruled out making further additions if the opportunity arises, they feel they have a full complement of centre-backs now. Leoni turned down Newcastle, who instead signed Malick Thiaw from AC Milan, in favour of Liverpool, who are preparing for the future, aware Van Dijk will be new 36 when his new deal ends. They remain in talks with Ibrahima Konate, whose contract expires next summer, but risk losing the France international on a free transfer then. Liverpool expect Leoni to be named in the next Italy squad and deemed him the best young central defender available, with the potential to improve considerably. They were down to three centre-backs after the sales of Jarell Quansah and Nat Phillips and, with Joe Gomez injured, midfielders Wataru Endo, Ryan Gravenberch and Trey Nyoni and left-back Andy Robertson all operated in the middle of defence in pre-season. Leoni will be at Anfield for Friday's Premier League game against Bournemouth but was not registered in time to be involved.
The Independent
29 minutes ago
- The Independent
Liverpool sign defender Giovanni Leoni from Parma
Liverpool have taken their summer spending past the £300million mark after completing the signing of Parma's 18-year-old defender Giovanni Leoni on a six-year contract. The highly-rated Italy Under-19 international will cost an initial £26million plus add-ons and will go straight into Arne Slot's squad to fill a gap which has seen the head coach operate in pre-season with just two fit centre-backs after selling Jarell Quansah to Bayer Leverkusen. His signing is subject to international clearance and a work permit but he will be at Anfield for the Premier League opener against Bournemouth. In 2023, after making his debut for Padova, Leoni said he was 'inspired' by Virgil van Dijk and now he has a chance to learn from the Liverpool captain at close quarters. Ibrahima Konate is Van Dijk's established partner but Leoni will be vying with Joe Gomez, Liverpool's longest-serving current player who has only just returned from injury, to challenge the France international. 'Because it's one of the best clubs in the world it's not possible to say no to this club,' he told 'I'm very happy to be here. It's a really great sensation and I'm honoured to be here. 'I'm so honoured. I was very happy (about Liverpool being interested). When I saw this I said, 'Wow, this is crazy.'.' Liverpool also remain interested in Crystal Palace's Marc Guehi, although discussions have stalled over a fee for a player in the final year of his contract. Despite a significant outlay on eight players Liverpool have recouped almost £200m in sales following the departures of Luis Diaz, Darwin Nunez, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Jarell Quansah, Caoihmhin Kelleher, Tyler Morton and Nat Phillips.
BBC News
29 minutes ago
- BBC News
'It's a new journey' - Leoni on 'crazy' Reds transfer
New Liverpool defender Giovanni Leoni says it is "crazy" and he is "honoured" after completing his move from 18-year-old has signed a six-year contract with the club for £26m, plus has been a key target for Liverpool as they look to bolster their defence and it was confirmed on Thursday by Reds boss Arne Slot that a deal had been agreed for the young Italy Under-19s international began his career at Padova and had a short spell at Sampdoria before joining Parma last enjoyed a breakthrough Serie A campaign last season, making 17 appearances as Parma finished 16th, five points above the relegation zone."I'm very happy to be here. It's a really great sensation and I'm honoured to be here," Leoni told club media."Yeah, a lot [of excitement]. I'm so honoured. I was very happy [about Liverpool being interested]. When I saw this I said: 'Wow, this is crazy.' I'm very happy."The latest signing takes Liverpool's spending this transfer window to just shy of £300m and Leoni is set to be in the stands when the Reds begin the defence of their Premier League title against Bournemouth later on Friday."I want to improve a lot with my new team-mates in training and after on the pitch, in the Premier League and the Champions League," he added."I'll watch the game [against Bournemouth at Anfield] in the stadium. Then, after the game, it's a new journey."
