1 hour ago
2
Liverpool has confirmed the signing of defender Giovanni Leoni, with the Reds having secured one of the most sought-after young players in Europe at the moment.
The 18-year-old makes the move to Anfield after a deal was agreed with Parma earlier this week, with Leoni having undergone his medical on Thursday on Merseyside. It is understood he has agreed a six-year contract with the club.
The initial package for the move is believed to start at £26 million ($35.25 million) with add-ons but it is understood the total will not surpass £30 million ($40.67 million).
Leoni is expected to immediately join the first-team setup under Arne Slot, although he will be unavailable for Friday's Premier League opener against Bournemouth, with the Reds having missed the 12pm deadline on Thursday to get his signing over the line.Liverpool's acquisition of Leoni, who has been receiving high praise in Italy, appears to be a particularly astute move.
Last season, he made his breakthrough with Parma, featuring in 17 matches under the management of Cristian Chivu during the latter half of the season. Given Leoni's relationship with Chivu, there was a real chance he could have ended up at Inter Milan, where Chivu is now at the helm.
However, Liverpool managed to fend off competition from Inter and their city rivals AC Milan, as well as interest from closer to home. Newcastle United had an unsuccessful bid for the defender, with Eddie Howe being a big admirer.
Yet, Liverpool persuaded the player that Anfield is the ideal place for his development, offering a clear route to first-team football. This is also why the Reds did not agree to Parma's request to loan him back this season.
Arne Slot is seeking defensive depth following Jarell Quansah's departure to Bayer Leverkusen, which left them thin at the back. Leoni provides this depth and will be ready to step in when needed this season, with cup competitions expected to give him first-team action, as well as the Champions League depending on the draw.
However, Liverpool believe he would be prepared for the Premier League should they suffer multiple injuries, given how he handled the physicality of strikers like Romelu Lukaku in Serie A.
They view him as a player for both the present and future, following unsuccessful attempts to recruit a young centre-back over the past two years. Liverpool had their sights set on Levi Colwill, but he remained at Chelsea, while Leny Yoro chose Manchester United last summer and Dean Huijsen made a move to Real Madrid in this window.
However, the Reds have now secured one of Italian football's most promising young talents. There is ongoing succession planning, with captain Virgil van Dijk now 34 and having inked a new two-year contract that will see him through to 36.
The Reds are also working on getting Ibrahima Konate to sign a new deal, while Real Madrid lurk in the background with just 12 months remaining on his current contract. Joe Gomez has returned to full fitness, meaning Slot now has four senior centre-backs at his disposal.
They remain interested in Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi, though. Discussions will continue with Crystal Palace over the coming days as they aim to finalise a deal before the window shuts.
Palace chairman Steve Parish would be a reluctant seller, even though Guehi is keen to make the move to Anfield and could depart for nothing next summer. Liverpool won't exceed their valuation and have the luxury of waiting 12 months to secure the England international for free now that they've signed Leoni.
English (US) ·