Liverpool Agree £26m Deal to Sign Parma Starlet Giovanni Leoni

Liverpool have reached an agreement to sign highly-rated Parma defender Giovanni Leoni in a deal worth £26 million plus add-ons, sources confirmed late Wednesday night.

The 18-year-old centre-back is now expected to travel to Merseyside on Thursday to finalise personal terms and undergo a medical.

Leoni attracted interest from several top Serie A and Premier League clubs, but the Italian teenager was reportedly determined to join Arne Slot’s squad, viewing Liverpool as the ideal next step in his career.

The Premier League champions have made it clear that Leoni is being signed for the first team, with no loan move planned. He is expected to be integrated directly into the senior setup for the 2025/26 campaign.

Leoni’s arrival comes as part of Liverpool’s defensive reinforcement plans, with Ibrahima Konaté entering the final year of his contract. The club is also in talks with Crystal Palace over a potential move for England international Marc Guehi, where they are currently considered favourites.

The signing of Leoni marks Liverpool’s sixth major addition of the summer window, bringing their total transfer spending under Arne Slot to £321.5 million.